At the Tamil Nadu–Europe MSME Conclave organised by the SICCI (Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry) in Chennai, H.E. Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Switzerland to India, highlighted that the recently signed European Free Trade Association – Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (EFTA–TEPA) will drive investments worth USD 100 billion and create one million jobs in India over the next 15 years. She said that while Switzerland and India have had centuries-old business linkages, the new agreement has accelerated bilateral relations. The conclave focused on strengthening trade, investment, and innovation linkages between Tamil Nadu and European nations.
H.E. Benedikt Hoeskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland to India, said there was ample scope for Tamil Nadu’s MSMEs to partner in sectors such as food processing, geothermal energy, and technology areas, including fintech (financial technology) and ITeS (Information Technology enabled Services).
Dr Atul Anand, Additional Chief Secretary, MSME Department said that closer partnerships between Tamil Nadu and Europe could support co-created solutions, technology transfer, and investments that enhance MSME competitiveness. He said the state must preserve its industrial strengths while embracing innovation to adapt to the global landscape.
Jawahar Vadivelu, Past President, SICCI, noted that Tamil Nadu’s MSME sector, with over 60 lakh units, contributes nearly 30 per cent to the state’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and plays a key role in employment generation. He said European nations’ advancements in innovation, clean technology and digital transformation offer new opportunities for collaboration.
