WTC Mumbai and AIAI Drives Industry–Government Convergence on MSME Skilling & Workforce Transformation

 (L to R): Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade and Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai; Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries; Shri Shailesh Bhagat, Hon. Assistant Commissioner, District Skill Development, Mumbai Suburban; Mr. Hardik Somani, Co-Founder, Sapio Analytics; Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Senior Director, All India Association of Industries; Mr. Santosh Kotre, Director, Finance and Accounts, World Trade Center Mumbai.

Mumbai, April 30, 2026: MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, in association with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra and Sapio Analytics, organized an Employer Session on MSMEs Engagement & Workforce Development at WTC Mumbai, focusing on translating evolving skill requirements into practical outcomes, bridging the gap between education and employability, and fostering partnerships that drive measurable impact.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, emphasized that skilling must be practical, industry-linked and outcome-oriented and said, “MSMEs are among India’s most vibrant economic engines, contributing nearly 30% to India’s GDP, 45% to exports, and over 60% to employment, with over 7 crore enterprises across the country. Skilling, innovation, startups and incubation must move together, and policies must be practical, implementable and aligned with industry needs.”

“While businesses generate income for survival, true innovation creates a windfall that drives transformative growth and long-term development. There is a pressing need to address brain drain, strengthen skilling from the foundational stages of education, and upgrade academic curricula to align with evolving industry requirements through close collaboration between industry and government, while building clear pathways for younger generations to become globally competitive,” said Dr. Kalantri.

Shri Shailesh Bhagat, Hon. Assistant Commissioner, District Skill Development, Mumbai Suburban, shared the Government of Maharashtra’s approach to skill development, including the first skill census in Mumbai Suburban and said, “The Government is working closely with experts, training partners and employers to bridge the skill gap. Through the Saksham Skill Census, we are mapping candidates, training providers and industry requirements. We invite employers to actively participate so that training programmes can be aligned with actual workforce needs”.

Mr. Hardik Somani, Co-Founder, Sapio Analytics, highlighted the Saksham Skill Census, describing it as a pioneering initiative aimed at understanding skills, aspirations and workforce gaps at the grassroots level and said, “The Saksham Skill Census is not merely a survey; it is a structured effort to identify hidden talent, understand behavioural traits and match workforce capabilities with real industry demand. By using an AI-enabled workforce model, we aim to reduce the mismatch between education and employment and create customized skilling pathways for youth, homemakers and aspiring entrepreneurs”.

A major highlight of the session was the signing of MoUs between the MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, All India Association of Industries with Government of Maharashtra and Sapio Analytics, aimed at strengthening collaboration in skill development, employer engagement and workforce planning.

In closing remarks, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, said, “In a world shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, supply disruptions and rising costs, India must invest in innovation, infrastructure and future-ready skills. We must think big, study our real demand, support job creators and make ease of doing business a lived reality,” said Capt. Batra.

The session concluded with a strong sense of convergence between policy intent and industry action, underscoring that the future of India’s workforce will be shaped not merely by vision, but by execution. It also reinforced World Trade Center Mumbai’s enduring vision of fostering growth and prosperity through trade by enabling industry-driven skilling, strengthening partnerships, and building a future-ready ecosystem that translates opportunity into inclusive economic progress.