By Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday launched the Progressive MSME and Export Promotion Policy-2026, positioning it as a key step towards taking products made in the state to international markets. Unveiled in Karnal as part of events marking 60 years of Haryana’s development, the policy focuses on finance, technology, infrastructure, exports, skills and market access for small and medium businesses.
Saini said the government wants industrial growth to extend beyond major cities and reach every district of Haryana. He argued that the state’s existing strengths in textiles, rice and manufacturing can be turned into stronger global brands with the right policy support, while creating more opportunities for startups, entrepreneurs and young people within the state.
Focus on finance, technology and exports
The Chief Minister said the new policy has been designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to establish and expand businesses. Better access to finance, industrial infrastructure, technology, skilled manpower and domestic and international markets will form the core of the new framework.
He expressed confidence that the policy would generate new employment opportunities and help create an environment where young people can pursue their ambitions within Haryana rather than having to look outside the country for opportunities.
Saini said Haryana had already built a strong manufacturing base through entrepreneurship and now needed to move towards the next phase of industrial growth.
13.35 lakh MSMEs operating in Haryana
Industries and Commerce Department Commissioner and Secretary Amit Agarwal said Haryana currently has around 13.35 lakh MSMEs across manufacturing, services and trading.
Of these, about 13.11 lakh, or 98 per cent, are micro enterprises. The state has around 22,897 small enterprises and 1,762 medium-scale units. Collectively, these businesses provide employment to approximately 84.54 lakh people, with the trading sector accounting for the largest share.
Agarwal said the new policy is expected to become an important driver of industrial development by helping businesses expand their operations and reach new markets.
Director General of the Directorate of Small and Medium Enterprises Yash Garg said the policy takes into account the changing requirements of businesses and seeks to create a more supportive ecosystem for MSMEs.
Global identity for local industries
Speaking after the launch, Saini pointed to Panipat’s textile industry and Karnal’s rice exports as examples of Haryana products that already have an international presence.
He said the government’s objective is to build on these existing strengths and give more districts the opportunity to develop products capable of competing in global markets.
Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh also urged entrepreneurs to adopt environmentally responsible production and packaging practices, particularly by increasing the use of biodegradable materials.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing products, technologies and success stories from Haryana’s MSME sector. Industry representatives, exporters, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and business associations attended the programme.
Saini joins Tiranga Yatra in Kurukshetra
During his visit, Saini also participated in a state-level Tiranga Yatra covering the Ladwa and Thanesar assembly constituencies. The march passed through key locations before concluding at the Martyrs’ Memorial at the Mini-Secretariat in Thanesar.
The Chief Minister paid tribute to the martyrs and honoured their families by presenting them with shawls. He said the Tricolour represents the sacrifices of freedom fighters, the courage of soldiers, the hard work of farmers and the aspirations of the country’s youth.
Earlier, Saini visited the Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple on the second Monday of Sawan and performed Jalabhishek, offering prayers at the temple before attending the day’s programmes.
