Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that as of March 31, Goa has over 91,034 MSMEs registered on the Udyam portal. Of these, 98% are micro enterprises, 1.5% are small enterprises, and around 0.2% are medium enterprises.Sawant said state govt aims to create stronger industrial infrastructure, smart industrial estates, startup incubation ecosystems, technology-driven governance, export-oriented MSMEs, industry-academia partnerships, green manufacturing, a skilled workforce, and digital enterprise ecosystems.He said around 82.8% of Goa’s MSMEs are engaged in services and retail trade, while 17.2% operate in manufacturing.“This is why our govt is now aggressively promoting manufacturing-led growth, industrial diversification, value-added production, food processing, electronics, green industries, export-oriented enterprises, and technology-based MSMEs,” Sawant said.“We want Goa to become a hub for startups, a centre for innovation, a destination for skilled talent, and a model state for MSME-led growth,” he said.Addressing the World MSME Day 2026 function at Lok Bhavan, Sawant urged youth not to underestimate their potential.“Every successful company started as a small idea. Use technology. Learn continuously. Think globally. Build locally. Take advantage of govt schemes. Take risks,” he said.Sawant said that somewhere in Goa, a young entrepreneur is working from a small rented room with a laptop, an idea and a dream, while a woman from a self-help group is packaging homemade products in the hope that one day her brand will reach national markets.“An ITI student is learning advanced machine operations and preparing not only for employment, but for entrepreneurship. This is the strength of India. This is the power of MSMEs. MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy. Truly, if large industries are the pillars of our economy, MSMEs are its heartbeat.”He said MSMEs create jobs, encourage innovation, empower women, strengthen villages, preserve traditional skills, and build national self-reliance.Sawant said Goa has long been known for tourism, culture and natural beauty, but is now steadily emerging as a startup destination, a knowledge economy, a hub for innovation, and a manufacturing and services powerhouse.He said Goa’s economy is driven by ordinary citizens with extraordinary determination.“Goa is transitioning from a consumption economy to a production and innovation economy,” Sawant said. “Entrepreneurs should focus on building businesses, not chasing approvals. That is why Govt of Goa has prioritised ease of doing business, digital governance, transparent approvals, online compliance systems, faster industrial clearances and investor-friendly policies.”
