Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Advocates Economic Nationalism at PHDCCI’s Bharat Startup & MSMEs Summit-2024

Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Hon’ble Vice President of India, emphasized the critical role of economic nationalism in ensuring the prosperity and sovereignty of the nation. Speaking at the PHDCCI’s Bharat Startup & MSMEs Summit-2024 held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Center, Shri Dhankhar highlighted the importance of startups and MSMEs as the backbone of the Indian economy.

Shri Dhankhar stated, “Startups and MSMEs are not just business ventures but bearers of innovation, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines us.” He praised these enterprises for their role in pushing the boundaries of innovation and providing local solutions that empower communities and drive regional development.

Acknowledging the significant contributions of MSMEs to India’s economy, Shri Dhankhar noted that they account for about 30% of the GDP, 45% of manufacturing output, and provide employment to over 11 crore individuals. He emphasized the need to empower the common person to think beyond urban interests and prioritize gender neutrality to drive inclusive growth.

Shri Dhankhar applauded the government’s initiatives, such as the Women Entrepreneurship Platform, aimed at bolstering female entrepreneurs and promoting economic nationalism. He called upon all stakeholders to support the growth of startups and MSMEs, fostering an environment where innovation thrives for a prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future.

Mr. Sanjeev Agrawal, President of PHDCCI, highlighted the government’s emphasis on innovation and R&D, positioning India as a global hub for cutting-edge solutions. Initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission and Startup India have catalyzed a culture of problem-solving and technological advancements, making India a cradle for innovation.

Hemant Jain, Senior Vice President of PHDCCI, commended the government for its support in creating a conducive environment for startups and MSMEs, leading to the emergence of more than 110 unicorns in India. He emphasized that the government’s focus on MSME development and entrepreneurship training is driving India towards unprecedented economic heights.

Yashraj Akashi, Co-Chair of PHDCCI Startup Committee, appreciated the government’s support in building an effective startup ecosystem and assured continuous support from PHDCCI in handholding and mentoring startups to become unicorns in the near future.

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Executive Director of PHDCCI, called upon policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to collaborate in charting the course for transformative change in the startup and MSME ecosystem.

The summit concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work together towards fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and driving inclusive growth for a stronger, more prosperous India.