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World MSME Day 2026 | Exclusive Interview with Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
President, Taloja Industries Association (TIA)
On the occasion of World MSME Day 2026, Aleem Shaikh, Editor-in-Chief of Hello Mumbai News, had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Satish Anand Shetty (Anna), President of the Taloja Industries Association (TIA) and Chairman of Jayashree Galva Private Limited. A distinguished industrialist with over two decades of experience in manufacturing and industrial development, Shetty shared valuable insights into the growth, challenges, and future of India’s MSME sector. He also highlighted the pivotal role of the Taloja Industries Association in promoting industrial development, supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening MSMEs, and contributing to Maharashtra’s economic progres
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. Could Please introduce yourself and share your journey in the industrial sector. What inspired you to lead the Taloja Industries Association?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
I am Satish Anand Shetty (Anna), President of the Taloja Industries Association (TIA) and Chairman of Jayashree Galva Private Limited. For over two decades, I have been actively associated with the manufacturing sector and industrial development. My journey has been guided by a strong belief that industries grow best when they work together. This belief inspired me to take on the responsibility of leading the Taloja Industries Association and to work towards building a stronger, more competitive, and industry-friendly ecosystem. I also wish to utilise my experience, network, and social contacts for the betterment of industries and the MSME sector. My mission is to serve as a bridge between industries and government authorities while ensuring that every MSME receives the support it deserves.
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On the occasion of World MSME Day, how do you assess the contribution of MSMEs to India’s economic growth and employment generation?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy. They contribute significantly to India’s GDP, manufacturing output, exports, and employment generation. More importantly, MSMEs promote entrepreneurship, innovation, balanced regional development, and inclusive economic growth. As India progresses towards becoming a developed nation, the MSME sector will continue to remain one of the strongest pillars of the country’s economic and industrial growth.
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3. Taloja is one of Maharashtra’s major industrial hubs. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges currently faced by industries in the region?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
Taloja has tremendous industrial potential because of its strategic location, connectivity to JNPT Port, the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and its proximity to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane. However, industries continue to face challenges such as inadequate public transport, including local train connectivity, Metro Rail, and local bus services, traffic congestion, water management issues, delays in government approvals, rising operational costs, and the need for better common industrial facilities. Addressing these challenges will unlock enormous opportunities for industrial growth and investment.
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What role does the Taloja Industries Association play in supporting MSMEs and resolving industry-related issues?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
The Taloja Industries Association acts as the unified voice of industries and serves as a catalyst for industrial growth. We regularly represent industrial issues before MIDC, MSEDCL, MPCB, DISH, CIDCO, PMC, labour authorities, police departments, and various government agencies. We organise seminars, awareness programmes, networking events, policy discussions, and capacity-building initiatives. Our objective is to ensure faster grievance redressal, effective policy advocacy, and a business-friendly environment. We also provide a common platform where entrepreneurs and industries can collaborate for collective development.
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Infrastructure remains a key concern for industrial growth. What improvements are needed in Taloja to enhance the ease of doing business?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
Industrial growth requires world-class infrastructure. Taloja urgently needs uninterrupted electricity, reliable industrial water supply, efficient traffic management, improved roads, modern logistics facilities, digital connectivity, and faster maintenance of industrial infrastructure. The implementation of an Industrial Township with world-class civic amenities will significantly improve productivity, attract fresh investments, and enhance the ease of doing business.
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How are rising input costs, energy prices, and regulatory compliance impacting MSMEs today?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
MSMEs are under tremendous financial pressure due to increasing raw material prices, electricity tariffs, logistics expenses, labour costs, and regulatory compliance requirements. Smaller enterprises find it difficult to absorb these rising costs, which directly impacts profitability and competitiveness. Simplified compliance procedures and reduction in operational costs will provide much-needed relief to MSMEs.
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What steps should the Central and Maharashtra Governments take to strengthen the MSME ecosystem?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
Both the Central and Maharashtra Governments should simplify regulations, strengthen industrial infrastructure, improve access to affordable finance, ensure genuine single-window clearances, encourage technology adoption, promote skill development, provide export incentives, and ensure timely payments to MSMEs. Turnaround time for approvals must improve, communication should become more transparent, and government officials should adopt a cooperative and industry-friendly approach because industries are the growth engine and backbone of the Indian economy.
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How important are digital transformation, Industry 4.0, automation, and Artificial Intelligence for the future of MSMEs?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
Digital transformation is no longer optional—it is essential. Industry 4.0 technologies, Artificial Intelligence, automation, robotics, data analytics, and smart manufacturing will define the future of global manufacturing. MSMEs that embrace these technologies today will become more productive, competitive, and globally successful tomorrow.
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What advice would you give to first-generation entrepreneurs planning to establish manufacturing units in industrial areas like Taloja?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
My advice is to focus on quality, compliance, financial discipline, innovation, and continuous learning. Build a capable team, invest in technology, understand government policies thoroughly, and actively participate in industrial associations while seeking guidance from experienced entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship demands patience, integrity, resilience, and long-term commitment. Sustainable success comes through consistency and ethical business practices.
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. Access to finance continues to be a challenge. What measures can improve credit availability for MSMEs?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
Banks and financial institutions should simplify lending procedures, reduce collateral requirements, strengthen credit guarantee schemes, ensure faster loan processing, and create more MSME-friendly financial products. Greater awareness of government financial assistance schemes and digital lending platforms will also improve access to affordable capital.
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How can industrial associations work more closely with government agencies to create a more business-friendly environment?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
Industrial associations should function as constructive partners to government by providing policy feedback, identifying practical challenges, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and promoting collaborative problem-solving. Senior IAS officers should regularly interact with industrial associations before implementing important policy decisions. I also strongly believe that industry representatives should be nominated to the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) so that the voice of industries is effectively represented during policy formulation.
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What initiatives is the Taloja Industries Association undertaking to promote sustainability, environmental compliance, and green manufacturing?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
TIA actively promotes environmental awareness, pollution control, statutory compliance, waste management, water conservation, energy conservation, and responsible industrial practices. We encourage industries to adopt sustainable technologies and environmentally responsible manufacturing systems. Through CSR initiatives, we are also promoting Miyawaki forest plantations to increase green cover and improve environmental sustainability.
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How can MSMEs increase their competitiveness in export markets and integrate into global supply chains?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
MSMEs should focus on international quality standards, certifications, technology upgradation, innovation, product diversification, digital marketing, export promotion schemes, and strategic partnerships. Maintaining consistent quality and adopting global manufacturing standards are essential for becoming part of international supply chains.
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What are your key priorities and vision for the future development of the Taloja industrial belt?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
Our vision is to transform Taloja into one of India’s most efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive industrial hubs. Our priorities include strengthening infrastructure, improving ease of doing business, promoting MSME growth, establishing common testing and skill development centres, encouraging innovation, attracting investments, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring environmentally sustainable industrial development.
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Finally, what message would you like to share with India’s entrepreneurs, industrialists, and MSME community on the occasion of World MSME Day?
Satish Anand Shetty (Anna)
On the occasion of World MSME Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every entrepreneur, industrialist, and MSME owner who contributes to India’s economic growth. Your resilience, innovation, and commitment are shaping the future of our nation. Let us continue to embrace technology, sustainability, collaboration, and ethical business practices. Together, we can build a stronger manufacturing sector, generate more employment opportunities, and contribute meaningfully towards the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.
Above all, every entrepreneur must remain positive, stay highly motivated throughout the journey, and never stop learning. Challenges are temporary, but determination, innovation, perseverance, and honesty always lead to lasting success.
Jai Hind!
