Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is gearing up to inaugurate and actively participate in the upcoming HIM MSME Fest-2026, a major event poised to put the state on the global investment map. The fest is scheduled to be held in the capital city of Shimla from January 3 to January 5, 2026.
High-Level CEO Interaction to Drive Industrial Dialogue
A cornerstone of the three-day event will be a high-powered "CEO Interaction" session. This closed-door forum is set for January 4 at the historic Hotel Peterhoff in Shimla. The announcement was made by Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar Gupta on Tuesday while he chaired a review meeting for the fest.
The exclusive dialogue will witness the presence of CM Sukhu and is designed to function as a direct business-to-government (B2G) platform. It aims to assemble top CEOs, managing directors, promoters, and industry specialists from both India and overseas. The focus will be on priority sectors identified for Himachal's growth, including pharmaceuticals, green mobility, food processing, dairy, data centres, and defence.
Focus on Investments, Policy, and Inclusive Growth
The primary objective of this interaction is to foster meaningful discussions on investment opportunities, policy incentives, and regulatory reforms that can spur long-term industrial development in the state. The government initiative seeks to facilitate direct engagement between its officials and corporate leaders to promote anchor investments and develop industrial clusters.
A significant thrust will be on encouraging collaborations between large enterprises and local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This approach is intended to ensure that the economic growth is both sustainable and inclusive, benefiting the wider MSME ecosystem of Himachal Pradesh. Key planned activities include:
- Sector-specific roundtable discussions.
- One-to-one meeting opportunities for businesses with government representatives.
- Platforms for signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or announcing firm investment intentions.
A Fest Showcasing Himachal's Entrepreneurial Spirit
Beyond the high-level CEO meet, the HIM MSME Fest-2026 will be a vibrant celebration of the state's entrepreneurial talent and rich heritage. The event will feature an exhibition to showcase exquisite handloom, handicrafts, and GI-tagged products from the region.
The fest will also host a series of engaging programmes such as start-up awards, a dedicated meet for women entrepreneurs, a One District One Product (ODOP) buyer-seller meet, a fashion show, and a cultural evening. These activities are strategically planned to position Himachal Pradesh as a globally competitive and attractive investment destination, offering a unique blend of industrial potential and cultural richness.
