Sikkim has taken an important step to strengthen its small businesses and help local entrepreneurs reach wider markets by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata. Along with this, the state government has also launched a dedicated Export Facilitation Cell to support exports and promote the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The MoU was signed between the Commerce and Industries Department of Sikkim and IIFT Kolkata at a programme held at the department’s conference hall on Wednesday, January 7. The signing coincided with the formal inauguration of the Export Facilitation Cell, which has been set up to provide structured support to entrepreneurs interested in exporting their products outside the state and the country. Addressing the programme, Commerce and Industries Secretary Karma D. Youtso said the partnership with IIFT Kolkata would help provide policy guidance, technical support and continuous handholding to entrepreneurs. She said the Export Facilitation Cell would work as a single-point support system for business owners who want to explore national and international markets but often lack proper guidance and information.
Youtso also spoke about the changing business environment in Sikkim. She said the state has made steady efforts to encourage entrepreneurship under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Referring to the One Family–One Entrepreneur scheme, she noted that the number of registered entrepreneurs in the state has increased significantly, from around 1,000 in 2020 to nearly 30,000 at present. Under the MoU, IIFT Kolkata will assist the state government in policy planning, capacity building and conducting export-oriented training programmes for entrepreneurs. The institute will also help in skill development of departmental officials so that they can better guide exporters. The agreement will remain valid for three years and will be reviewed every year. Subarna Mukhia has been appointed as the Export Coordinator to manage the daily functioning of the Export Facilitation Cell. The secretary further informed that the Export Facilitation Cell will operate under the central government’s Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme.
As part of the scheme, exporters can avail a 50 per cent transport subsidy after submitting the required bills. She shared the example of a local agro-based enterprise, MEVEDIR, which received the subsidy while exporting 300 kilograms of Cherry Pepper, locally known as Dalle Khorsani, to the Solomon Islands. Entrepreneurs using cold storage facilities for exports will also be eligible for a 50 per cent subsidy. Speaking at the event, Dr K. Rangarajan, Professor and Centre Head at IIFT Kolkata, welcomed the initiative taken by the Sikkim government. He assured full support from the institute to help local businesses prepare for global markets. He stressed the importance of maintaining quality standards, improving branding and ensuring better market access to compete internationally.