Hello Mumbai MSME Desk
An Interview with Manpreet Singh
President, International Chamber of Investment and Business (ICIB)
On the Occasion of World MSME Day
Hello Mumbai News
Could you introduce yourself for our readers?
Manpreet Singh
Thank you for the opportunity. I am Manpreet Singh, President of the International Chamber of Investment and Business (ICIB), also known as the Indian Chamber of International Business. Since assuming this responsibility in 2018, my focus has been on strengthening India’s MSME ecosystem by creating global business opportunities, promoting international trade, facilitating investments, and building strategic partnerships between Indian enterprises and overseas markets.
ICIB today works across multiple Indian states and has a strong international presence through partnerships in over 40 countries. Our mission is simple—to help Indian businesses become globally competitive through market access, technology collaboration, investment facilitation, policy advocacy, and international networking.
Hello Mumbai News
On the occasion of World MSME Day, how do you assess the current growth trajectory of India’s MSME sector, and what role does it play in the country’s economic development?
Manpreet Singh
India’s MSME sector is entering one of the most exciting phases in its history. Contributing nearly 30% of India’s GDP, around 45% of exports, and generating employment for over 200 million people, MSMEs are the backbone of our economy.
Government initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, Digital India, PM Vishwakarma, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and improved digital infrastructure have significantly strengthened the business environment.
Today’s MSMEs are no longer limited to local markets. Many are becoming exporters, technology providers, manufacturing partners, and global service companies. As India moves toward becoming a USD 5 trillion economy and ultimately a developed nation under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, MSMEs will remain the biggest driver of inclusive economic growth.
Hello Mumbai News
The International Chamber of Investment and Business works to promote investment and global business collaboration. How can Indian MSMEs better attract domestic and international investors?
Manpreet Singh
Investment follows credibility, scalability, and governance.
Indian MSMEs must focus on:
Maintaining transparent financial records and regulatory compliance.
Building technology-driven and scalable business models.
Strengthening ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices.
Protecting intellectual property.
Developing export-ready products and internationally accepted quality standards.
Building strong management teams and long-term business strategies.
Investors today are not merely investing in products—they are investing in capable leadership, innovation, governance, and global potential.
ICIB helps bridge this gap by connecting businesses with investors, diplomatic missions, global chambers, and international partners through business forums, B2B meetings, and investment delegations.
Hello Mumbai News
What are the biggest opportunities for Indian startups and MSMEs in the global marketplace over the next five years?
Manpreet Singh
The next five years present tremendous opportunities across sectors including:
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies
Electric Mobility
Renewable Energy
Healthcare and MedTech
Defence Manufacturing
Agri-Tech and Food Processing
Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing
FinTech
Sustainable Manufacturing
Supply Chain Diversification
Global companies are increasingly looking to diversify supply chains beyond traditional manufacturing hubs. India has a unique opportunity to become a preferred partner because of its skilled workforce, improving infrastructure, digital capabilities, and strong domestic market.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), growing FTAs, and expanding diplomatic engagement will create new export opportunities for Indian MSMEs.
Hello Mumbai News
5. What are the key challenges preventing MSMEs from expanding internationally, and how can industry bodies and policymakers address these barriers?
Manpreet Singh
The biggest challenges include:
Limited access to affordable finance.
Lack of export awareness.
Compliance with international regulations.
Technology gaps.
Limited branding and marketing capabilities.
Difficulty identifying trustworthy overseas partners.
Industry bodies like ICIB can play an important role by facilitating international matchmaking, trade delegations, export education, and investment partnerships.
Policymakers should continue simplifying export procedures, improving logistics, strengthening export credit, and enhancing digital trade infrastructure.
Public-private collaboration will be the key to global expansion.
Hello Mumbai News
How important are innovation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence in helping MSMEs remain globally competitive?
Manpreet Singh
Innovation is no longer optional—it is essential.
Artificial Intelligence, automation, cloud computing, digital payments, data analytics, and Industry 4.0 technologies are transforming business operations globally.
MSMEs that embrace AI can improve:
Productivity
Customer service
Inventory management
Predictive maintenance
Marketing effectiveness
Financial planning
Export competitiveness
Digital transformation enables even small enterprises to compete globally with much larger organizations.
Hello Mumbai News
What initiatives is the International Chamber of Investment and Business undertaking to support entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs in accessing global markets and strategic partnerships?
Manpreet Singh
Supporting MSMEs is at the heart of ICIB’s mission.
Our initiatives include:
International business delegations.
B2B matchmaking programmes.
Trade and investment forums.
Collaboration with foreign embassies and diplomatic missions.
Joint ventures and technology partnerships.
Industry-academia collaborations.
Investor connects.
Export promotion initiatives.
Policy advocacy with governments.
Over the years, ICIB has worked with numerous embassies, trade organizations, government agencies, and international chambers to create practical business opportunities for Indian enterprises across sectors ranging from agriculture and healthcare to manufacturing and infrastructure.
Hello Mumbai News
How can stronger collaboration between government, industry associations, investors, and financial institutions accelerate the growth of India’s MSME ecosystem?
Manpreet Singh
No single institution can transform the MSME ecosystem alone.
Government provides policy support.
Industry associations create market access.
Financial institutions provide growth capital.
Investors bring innovation and strategic direction.
Educational institutions develop talent.
When these stakeholders work together, MSMEs receive a complete ecosystem—from idea to commercialization and from domestic success to global expansion.
ICIB believes collaborative ecosystems will define India’s next phase of economic growth.
Hello Mumbai News
What policy reforms would you recommend to make India a more attractive destination for investment in MSMEs and startup ventures?
Manpreet Singh
Some important reforms include:
Easier access to low-cost credit.
Faster regulatory approvals.
Simplified taxation and compliance.
Strengthened intellectual property protection.
Increased R&D incentives.
Expanded export incentives.
Better logistics infrastructure.
Faster dispute resolution.
Stronger industry-academia partnerships.
Greater ease of doing business at the state level.
Predictable and transparent policy frameworks significantly enhance investor confidence.
Hello Mumbai News
How do you envision India’s MSME sector contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and positioning the country as a global manufacturing and innovation hub?
Manpreet Singh
Viksit Bharat 2047 is an ambitious yet achievable vision.
MSMEs will be central to achieving this goal by driving manufacturing, exports, innovation, employment, and regional economic development.
India possesses enormous strengths—young talent, digital leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, democratic stability, and a rapidly growing consumer market.
If we continue investing in innovation, skills, sustainability, infrastructure, and international partnerships, Indian MSMEs can become integral parts of global value chains.
Our vision should not simply be “Made in India,” but “Designed, Developed, Manufactured, and Innovated in India.”
Hello Mumbai News
What is your message to aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders, and MSME owners on World MSME Day who are working to build globally competitive businesses from India?
Manpreet Singh
My message is simple:
Dream globally, execute professionally, and never stop learning.
Today’s entrepreneurs have opportunities that previous generations could only imagine. Technology has removed geographical barriers, and India has emerged as one of the world’s most respected startup and innovation ecosystems.
Build businesses based on quality, ethics, innovation, and long-term value creation.
Do not fear global competition—prepare for it.
At ICIB, we firmly believe that the next generation of globally successful companies will emerge from India’s MSME and startup ecosystem. With determination, continuous innovation, and strategic partnerships, Indian entrepreneurs can lead the world in manufacturing, technology, sustainability, and innovation.
On this World MSME Day, I congratulate every entrepreneur, startup founder, and MSME owner who contributes daily to India’s economic progress. You are not just building businesses—you are building the future of India.
