New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Stakeholders have highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive and balanced strategy to revitalize export-focused industrial clusters. This approach should integrate infrastructure enhancement with capacity building, technology adoption, and improved market access, as announced on Wednesday.

At a post-Budget meeting held by the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), the significance of fortifying domestic manufacturing ecosystems was emphasized, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on imports.

The meeting was presided over by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Rajat Kumar Saini, the CEO and Managing Director of NICDC, pointed out the necessity of ongoing stakeholder engagement to refine and implement the cluster development framework.

The session saw extensive participation from representatives of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), industry associations, financial institutions, research organizations, and government entities.

Participants also underscored the necessity for a robust testing, certification, and quality infrastructure to boost global competitiveness and diminish dependence on foreign facilities, as per the Commerce Ministry.

Notably, discussions highlighted the need to foster innovation, research and development, and technology commercialization within these clusters.

Targeted assistance for MSMEs to improve productivity and facilitate their integration into global value chains was also a key focus, according to the statement.

Stakeholders pointed out the need for effective governance mechanisms, including industry-led participation via Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), and the creation of cluster-level facilitation systems to support investors and businesses.

“The simplification of regulatory processes, enhanced awareness and accessibility of government schemes, and increased flexibility at state and district levels for context-specific implementation were also emphasized,” the statement noted.

Strengthening design, innovation, and intellectual property ecosystems, developing sustainable financing models, and leveraging existing government initiatives to scale high-potential clusters were also discussed.

A broad consensus emerged that placing MSMEs at the heart of cluster development efforts is essential, with a focus on improving access to finance, enhancing capabilities, and enabling greater participation in export markets.

The discussions also stressed the need to align cluster development with global demand trends to solidify India’s position in global value chains.