Hello Mumbai International Desk:
Singapore: With the objective of providing international market access to products created by women entrepreneurs from Maharashtra, 53 women entrepreneurs from the state participated enthusiastically in the international exhibition ‘Namaste Bharat 2026’, held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore.
The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, who attended the occasion as the Chief Guest. The inaugural ceremony was organised in the presence of Mrs. Poonima Kamat, Founder of D Ideas, and witnessed an enthusiastic response.
The inauguration ceremony was held on October 23, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and featured welcome remarks, the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, an address by the Chief Guest and cultural performances.
High Commissioner Interacts with Women Entrepreneurs
During the exhibition, Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, interacted with women entrepreneurs from Maharashtra and learned about their products and business ventures.
The interaction highlighted the importance of efforts by Indian women entrepreneurs to access international markets. The visit provided participants with an opportunity to showcase the unique features of their products, present their business offerings and gain insights into potential international trade opportunities.
53 Women Entrepreneurs Participate Through Zep Udyogini
Under the initiative of Mrs. Pournima Shirishkar, Founder of Zep Udyogini, and Sanjana Ghadi, Shiv Sena Deputy Leader, 53 women entrepreneurs from Maharashtra received an opportunity to participate in this international exhibition.
The participating entrepreneurs showcased a diverse range of Indian products, including handicrafts, traditional clothing, jewellery, food products, cosmetics and lifestyle-related merchandise.
The initiative opened avenues for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Maharashtra to connect with international buyers, importers, distributors and business professionals. The key objective was to provide women running local businesses with exposure to global markets, information about export opportunities and avenues for expanding their enterprises.
“Our Goal Is to Connect Women Entrepreneurs with Global Markets” — Pournima Shirishkar
Speaking on the occasion, Pournima Shirishkar, Founder of Zep Udyogini, said:
“Women entrepreneurs in Maharashtra have quality products, valuable skills and tremendous determination to succeed in business. However, many women need the right platform, guidance and opportunities to reach international markets. Through Zep Udyogini, we are consistently working to create such opportunities for them. The participation of our women entrepreneurs in an international platform like Singapore is a matter of pride for Maharashtra.”
Government Support and Women’s Economic Empowerment
The initiative also emphasised encouraging women entrepreneurs to participate in international trade, creating opportunities for business growth and facilitating financial assistance for eligible entrepreneurs through applicable government schemes.
Efforts are also underway to help entrepreneurs fulfil the documentation requirements necessary for availing eligible government subsidies or reimbursement of expenses, wherever applicable.
‘Local to Global’: A New Chapter in Women’s Entrepreneurship
Guided by the vision of ‘Local to Global’, Zep Udyogini is working towards empowering women entrepreneurs and helping them expand their businesses beyond regional boundaries.
The organisation aims to go beyond supporting women in starting businesses by helping them access national and international markets, providing guidance on export opportunities and promoting financial independence.
The participation of Maharashtra’s women entrepreneurs in the ‘Namaste Bharat 2026’ exhibition was a recognition of their hard work, determination and entrepreneurial capabilities. The initiative has helped bring greater international visibility to women-led businesses from Maharashtra and represents an important step towards expanding the presence of Indian women entrepreneurs and their products in global markets.
The exhibition reinforced the importance of creating international business opportunities for women entrepreneurs and strengthening Maharashtra’s contribution to women-led economic growth.
