Gangtok, Feb 02 (IPR): A meeting with hoteliers and stakeholders for market linkage and outreach of local products was held at the Conference Hall, Commerce & Industries Department today.
The meeting was organised by the Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Cell (SEED Cell).
The Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Ms Karma D Youtso, addressed the participants and expressed her gratitude for their presence.
Referring to the vision and mission of the State Government, she stressed the need for procurement of MSME products of Sikkim and promotion of local enterprises in compliance with Notification No 06/C&I/2019-20 dated 02/09/2019. She urged hoteliers, stakeholders and other concerned parties to adhere to the notification in letter and spirit.
She stated that hotels and hospitality units should procure local MSME products and provide space for display, promotion and sale of such products within their premises. She further emphasised the inclusion of local food items in hotel menus and the purchase of locally manufactured products such as pickles, beverages, soaps, cosmetics, textiles and craft items.
Ms Karma D Youtso stated that trained local manpower should be engaged in the hospitality sector and said that networking with local MSMEs would strengthen supply chains and ensure regular availability of products.
She also stated that private retail entities such as Vishal Mega Mart and Reliance Mart should be encouraged to sell local products.
Ms Karma D Youtso suggested the use of local gift hampers for tourists and official programmes in the State. She assured that the Commerce & Industries Department would act as a link between hoteliers, stakeholders and manufacturers.
She further stressed the importance of tea tourism and its scope for expansion. She also referred to the UNNATI Scheme 2024 and stated that the scheme aims to support MSMEs through capacity building, financial assistance and market access.
Ms Karma D Youtso called for symbiotical living and working among stakeholders and said that coordinated efforts were required to take local MSME products to wider markets.
She stated that the department regularly conducts capacity-building programmes and issues certificates. She advised the hospitality sector to consider trained local manpower.
Concluding her address, she urged the participants to use and promote local MSME products and sought cooperation from all stakeholders.
Earlier, the Director, MSME, Commerce & Industries Department, Mr M Ravikumar, delivered the welcome address and briefed the participants on the details of the day’s programme. He informed that the meeting was held under the directives of the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang.
He stated that the Commerce & Industries Department would conduct inspections in accordance with Notification No 06/C&I/2019-20 and advised all concerned to comply with the provisions and rules of the State Government for promotion and use of local MSME products.
The Director, Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom (DHH), Mr Tshering Topgay Bhutia, made a presentation on handicraft and handloom products of Sikkim and their market potential. He spoke on the history and evolution of handicrafts and handlooms in the State and informed that these sectors provide livelihood support to artisans across rural and urban areas. He highlighted the range of products manufactured under DHH, including handwoven textiles, traditional craft items and utility products. He also informed that the department was working on design development, quality improvement and branding to enhance market reach and said that collaboration with the hospitality sector would help in providing sustained demand for local artisans.
The Managing Director, Temi Tea, Ms Radha Pradhan, made a presentation on Temi Tea products and their linkage with the hospitality sector. She briefed the participants on the different varieties and products of Temi Tea and informed that Temi Tea is already being exported to the international market. She stated that the tea has established demand outside the country and holds potential for further market expansion. She also displayed sample gift hampers suitable for use in the hospitality sector.
She highlighted tourism sites under Temi Tea such as Kuzu View Point, panoramic view of Mount Kangchenjunga, watch tower, zip line, Mela Tar and picnic spots.
Ms Radha Pradhan also informed about upcoming projects under Temi Tea aimed at boosting tea tourism and visitor experience.
The Managing Director, GFPF, Ms Chanda Rani Rai, made a presentation on products manufactured under the Sikkim Supreme brand. She stated that squash production started in 1956 and continues as a legacy product of the State. She informed that Sikkim Supreme manufactures a range of food and beverage products and follows standard quality and safety practices. She stated that the organisation was seeking partnerships with heritage hospitality units and hotels to promote its products and strengthen market presence within and outside the State.
She added that collaboration with the hospitality sector would help in promoting the long-standing legacy of Sikkim Supreme products and increase their visibility among tourists.
The President, SEED Cell, Mr Raj Lama, addressed the gathering and spoke on linking local MSMEs with the hospitality sector. He stated that the Government aims to promote locally manufactured products, including those produced by government undertakings.
He urged hoteliers and stakeholders to support local products and said that promotion of local goods was a collective responsibility. He further stated that hotels should display local products for the benefit of tourists.
An open interaction session was held with hoteliers and MSME representatives, during which participants shared their views and raised issues relating to procurement, supply mechanisms and quality standards of local products. Suggestions were also made on strengthening coordination between manufacturers and hospitality units to ensure regular availability of products. The session enabled an exchange of ideas on improving market linkages and addressing operational challenges faced by both producers and service providers.
Stalls displaying local products were also set up in the premises of the Commerce & Industries Department.
The meeting was attended by officers of the Commerce & Industries Department, Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, GFPF and SEED Cell, along with representatives from the hospitality sector and other stakeholders.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the Joint Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Ms Champa Sharma.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK