CICU Celebrates International MSME Day; Hosts Sonalika Vendor Development Program to Create New Opportunities for MSMEs

Ludhiana, June 27, 2026: The Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU) celebrated International MSME Day with great enthusiasm by organizing a Special Vendor Development Program in association with Sonalika Group at the CICU Complex, Focal Point, Ludhiana. The event aimed at creating new business opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthening the industrial ecosystem of the region. More than 55 industrial units from Ludhiana and nearby industrial areas participated in the program and showed keen interest in becoming approved vendors and suppliers for Sonalika Group, one of India's leading tractor manufacturers.
A senior team from Sonalika Group interacted directly with the participating industries to explore opportunities for vendor development and long-term business partnerships. During the session, the team shared details regarding vendor registration procedures, quality standards, manufacturing requirements, procurement systems, and supply chain expectations.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion of International MSME Day, Upkar Singh Ahuja, President, CICU, said: "MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy and the biggest contributors to employment generation, manufacturing growth, and exports. International MSME Day reminds us of the immense contribution made by small industries to the nation's development. CICU remains committed to creating new business opportunities for MSMEs by connecting them with leading industries and OEMs. Such vendor development programs open new doors for our entrepreneurs and strengthen Punjab’s industrial ecosystem."
He further stated that vendor development initiatives help local industries upgrade their capabilities, adopt better quality standards, and become part of large industrial supply chains, thereby enhancing their competitiveness.
Dr. S.B. Singh Joint Secretary of CICU highlighted the various activities undertaken by CICU throughout the year for the benefit of industry, including export promotion programs, skill development initiatives, technology upgradation seminars, industry interactions, policy advocacy, and capacity-building activities. He also informed the participants about the upcoming programs and initiatives planned by CICU for the MSME sector.
Prominent industrialists and industry representatives who attended the event included Honey Sethi, General Secretary, CICU; Didarjit Singh Lotey, Vice President CICU; members of the Sonalika team; and several leading entrepreneurs from the region.
The CICU leadership stated that such industry-vendor interaction programs play a vital role in creating new business opportunities for local manufacturers and contribute significantly to strengthening the supply chain network of Punjab's industrial sector.
The event concluded with an interactive session between the Sonalika team and participating industries, with many companies expressing their willingness to become long-term vendor partners of Sonalika Group.
On the occasion of International MSME Day, CICU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of MSMEs through continuous industry engagement, business facilitation, and policy advocacy.