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Summary:

The “MSME Connect 2025 — Vendor Development Programme-cum-Industrial Exhibition” opened in Madurai, India, on December 18, 2025. The event aims to connect local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government departments, encouraging them to become vendors through guidance on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal and tender procedures. District Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar emphasized the importance of MSMEs to India’s economy and expressed his desire to see Madurai’s MSMEs contributing to national-level supply chains. The event, organized by the Union MSME Ministry and MADITSSIA, features stalls from various organizations outlining procurement needs and seminars to educate entrepreneurs on meeting specifications for public procurement.

News Article:

Madurai Hosts MSME Connect 2025, Aims to Boost Local Businesses

Madurai, India – December 18, 2025 – The “MSME Connect 2025 — Vendor Development Programme-cum-Industrial Exhibition” kicked off today at MADITSSIA Hall in Madurai, marking a significant step towards empowering local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The two-day event aims to bridge the gap between Madurai’s vibrant MSME sector and the procurement needs of public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government departments.

District Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar inaugurated the program, stressing the critical role MSMEs play in India’s inclusive growth, contributing nearly 30% to the GDP and employing approximately 110 million people. He urged local entrepreneurs to leverage the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, a digital platform for public procurement, and emphasized the importance of scaling up to integrate into national supply chains. “I would be happy to see Madurai’s MSMEs supplying even the tiny screws and nuts that go into ISRO’s rockets,” Kumar stated.

The event, a joint initiative of the Union MSME Ministry and the Madurai District Tiny and Small-Scale Industries Association (MADITSSIA), offers guidance on GeM registration and tender procedures. Approximately 25 stalls have been set up by organizations including NLC India Ltd., CPCL, and defense equipment manufacturers, showcasing their procurement requirements and offering insights into the tender process.

“This event is a combined effort of MADITSSIA, the Ministry, SIDBI and other agencies to link local units with Central institutions.” Mr. Karthikeyan, Regional Chairman of FASII noted.

Seminars throughout the day feature technical officials from prominent organizations like Integral Coach Factory, Southern Railway, BHEL and Power Grid Corporation, providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge to meet required specifications and increase their share of public procurement. The ‘Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED)’ certification scheme was also promoted, highlighting available subsidies and support measures to help MSMEs improve quality.

The exhibition is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. with free admission. The event underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for industries and driving economic growth in Madurai and across southern Tamil Nadu.

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