PANAJI
In a bid to promote women venturing into business, the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) will reserve 30 per cent of vacant small plots in its industrial estates for them, Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho said on Wednesday.
Godinho said the GIDC board of directors has already passed a resolution to this effect at a recent meeting.
He made the remarks at an event organised by Assocham in association with the Central government's MSME department and NABARD.
"There are many opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the MSME sector. If even a single woman is helped, she takes three other women along with her. If this happens, the economy will also grow," Godinho said.
He said, women in Goa's rural areas have the skills to prepare various types of food products which have a long shelf-life.
"These skills of women should be converted into business opportunities," he said, adding that officials must forego their mind-set that entrepreneurs will come to them and instead go to entrepreneurs themselves.
The minister said both the Central and State governments have several schemes for women and youth but it is equally necessary for them to come forward.
Godinho said industry organisations also need to work in rural areas instead of focusing only in urban regions while underscoring the MSME sector's potential.
"We are ready to make any changes in the law at any time. Big business organisations should also help the MSME sector in the State," Godinho said.
Goa must become big centre of trade: Min
PANAJI: Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho said basic facilities required for the industrial sector are available in Goa citing the existence of two airports, ports, railways and good roads.
Industry must take advantage of it and make Goa an important centre of trade in the country, he added.
