Kochi, Dec 15 (Reporter) Kerala Government is committed to extend its full support to boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said while inaugurating the India International Industrial Expo (IIIE-2024) at the KINFRA International Exhibition Center in Kakkanad. "In an era marked by a surge of new ventures in the commercial and service sectors, it is time for the manufacturing sector to achieve similar growth,” he said. Emphasizing the state government’s unwavering support to make this vision a reality, he said this premier industrial gathering, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration, was organized by the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) and the Metro Mart. Congratulating KSSIA for its solid support in driving change within the industrial sector, P. Rajeev, Minister for Industries, Law & Coir, announced the establishment of a new convention center near the Kakkanad KINFRA International Exhibition Centre. “This three-day mega event (from December 13 to 15) serves as a vibrant platform to drive industrial growth and nurture entrepreneurship. With 300 stalls featured this year, we look forward to hosting the second edition of the Industrial Expo in January 2026,” said A. Nizarudeen, State President, KSSIA The honouring of Madhu S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, was performed by Chief Minister along with the handing over of KSSF Death Benefit to the beneficiaries. The three-day expo is organized in association with the Kerala Government’s Department of Industries, KINFRA, KSIDC, and the Central MSME Ministry. As part of the expo the second day featured a seminar on KSIDC schemes, followed by the KSSIA General Council Meeting. The event will feature a Symposium on Financial Assistance and MSME Schemes, inaugurated by K.N. Balagopal, Minister for Finance. The Valedictory Function will be inaugurated by K. Rajan, Minister for Revenue, marking the successful closure of the three-day industrial extravaganza. The event has brought together over 300 prominent machinery manufacturers from India and abroad, providing a platform for exhibitors to showcase their cutting-edge products and services. Aspiring entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to network with machinery manufacturers, while help desks set up by various banks will offer financial assistance for new ventures and expansions. Other dignitaries who attended the inaugural ceremony held on Saturday afternoon includes V.K.C. Mammed Koya, Ex-MLA, Madhu S. Nair, CMD, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Vice Admiral Sreekumar Nair (Retd) Managing Director, KELTRON, M. Khalid, Chairman, KSSF, K.P. Ramachandran Nair, Chairman-IIIE 2024, Joseph Paikada, General Secretary, KSSIA, P.J. Jose, A.V. Sunil Nath and A. Fasiludeen, Vice Presidents, KSSIA, M.S. Anaz, M.M. Mujeeb Rahiman, Jt. Secretaries, Siji Nair, CEO- IIIE–2024, Damodar Avanoor, Past State President, KSSIA, S. Salim, Chief Editor, KSSIA News, B. Jayakrishnan, Treasurer, KSSIA, G.S. Prakash, IEDS, Jt. Director & HoO MSME DFO, Thrissur...////...