Shimla:
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu after inaugurating Him MSME Fest 2026 at the Ridge today stated that the Fest Him MSME Fest is not merely an exhibition, but a strong platform of opportunities for thousands of small entrepreneurs, artisans and start-ups of the State promoting HIM Brand products globally. The event will assist promote the ‘Made in Himachal’ brand and help rural, traditional and local MSME products gain National and international recognition and to realize the aspirations of thousands of small entrepreneurs specially women entrepreneurs, artisans and start-ups across the State.
This will further strengthen the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar’ Himachal by fostering innovation, enterprise and inclusive growth.
The HIM fest, being organised by the Industries department, will conclude on 5th January.
The Chief Minister stated that representatives of reputed national and international companies would visit the State during the fest, providing artisans, weavers and small entrepreneurs an opportunity to directly showcase and market their products to global buyers. He added that a hand-made shawl crafted by artisans of Himachal Pradesh, in display in MSME Fest today, has been included in the ‘Guinness Book of World Records’, giving global recognition to Himachali products thus making the State proud.
Besides, the fest lays emphasis on women entrepreneurship and the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative that will help rural entrepreneurs to gain access to new opportunities, thereby strengthening the rural economy and empowering women. Special emphasis would be laid on the greening of MSMEs and this initiative will play a significant role in making Himachal Pradesh towards becoming a green energy State.
He said that over the past three years, the State Government has held meetings with investors in major industrial hubs such as Dubai, Japan and Mumbai. As a result of these efforts, Memorandums of Understanding involving investment commitments exceeding Rs. 5,000 crore have been signed. In addition, 683 industrial projects worth Rs. 14,000 crore have been approved, which are expected to generate employment opportunities for around 32,000 people.
The Chief Minister stated that with the objective of strengthening MSMEs in rural areas, proposals amounting to Rs. 1,642 crore have been submitted to the Central Government, out of which Rs. 109.34 crore has been approved so far. During the last three years, 107 start-ups have been launched in the State, while 407 start-ups are currently in various stages of establishment.
He said that the Him Fest would prove to be a milestone in connecting Himachal Pradesh’s MSME sector with markets, investments and modern technologies globally as reflects from its theme ‘The Craft of the Hills on the Global Stage’.
The Chief Minister further said that this fest serves as a unique convergence point for emerging and established start-ups, where ideas, innovation and investment would come together. Entrepreneurs will be able to exhibit their products and services, engage directly with investors and buyers, and explore new opportunities for start up business expansion.
On the occasion, he also released the ‘Him Innovation Coffee Book’ and honoured various entrepreneurs. Sh. Sukhu extended his best wishes to all participants taking part in Him MSME Fest-2026.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated and visited the exhibitions set up by various entrepreneurs and showed keen interest in the displays.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, earlier welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed about the itinerary of three day fest which also involves interact active sessions as well.
He said that sectors such as green mobility, defence, pharmaceuticals, dairy, food processing, artificial intelligence, electronic chips and data centres are being accorded priority to accelerate industrialization vis-à-vis giving push to green industries. Strategic dialogues are being held with leading industry players in these emerging sectors.
Dr. Rajneesh, Development Commissioner for MSME, Ministry of Government of India, lauded the efforts of the state government to promote MSMEs in the state.
Additional Chief Secretary R.D. Nazim gave a detailed presentation on start-ups, industrial development, and various schemes of the department in the state.
Commissioner Industries Dr. Yunus welcomed the Chief Minister and gave a detailed presentation on the MSME Fest. He also apprised him of the industrial development and related activities in the State.
A cultural programme was also organised on the occasion.
Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Malender Rajan and Vivek Sharma, Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation Surender Chauhan, Chairman of the State Food Commission Dr. S.P. Katyal, councillors of Shimla Municipal Corporation and senior officers were present on the occasion.
