During the inaugural session of the inaugural 'International Conference on Shipping & Logistics,' organised jointly by the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) and the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Mercy Epao, the Joint Secretary (SME) of MSME, shared key insights. She highlighted the substantial contributions of the MSME sector to India's economy, including 48% of the manufacturing output, 40% of exports, and 30% of the GDP. This sector, second only to agriculture, plays a pivotal role in employment generation.

Mercy Epao emphasised the significance of MSMEs, with over 6.35 crore enterprises in India, primarily constituting micro enterprises, which account for over 95% of the sector. The Indian government actively supports MSMEs through various initiatives, including loans, subsidies, training, and marketing assistance. The Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund focuses on sectors such as defence, education, agriculture, and FMCG, providing crucial capital for MSMEs.

She elaborated on specific schemes like the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy (CLCS), offering subsidies up to Rs 1 crore for technology upgrades, and the Procurement Marketing Support (PMS) scheme, facilitating participation in domestic and international fairs and exhibitions. These schemes enable entrepreneurs to explore new markets. Furthermore, under the innovation scheme, 276 ideas in incubation, design, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) have been approved, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.

Lt Cdr Ravindranath Reddy, Deputy CEO of AP Maritime Board, highlighted the conference's goal: promoting maritime infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. He stressed that ports are no longer mere loading and unloading terminals; they have become focal points for industrial development. With industries being established in port cities, the proximity to ports significantly reduces global logistics costs. He commended the joint efforts of the Central and State governments in this endeavour.

The event also featured insightful speeches by industry leaders, including G Sambasiva Rao, Vice President of the National Association of Container Freight Stations, Karunendra Jasti, President of FAPCCI, and Kankatala Mallikharjuna Rao, Vice President of FAPCCI, all of whom shared valuable perspectives on the future of shipping and logistics in Andhra Pradesh.