Exhibiting at Aahar 2025

Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim – Facilitating Industrial Growth and Economic Development

The Commerce & Industries Department of the Government of Sikkim plays a pivotal role in driving industrial growth, trade promotion, and economic development in the state of Sikkim, India. The department is responsible for formulating policies, attracting investments, promoting sustainable industrialization, and creating employment opportunities while preserving the state's unique environmental and cultural heritage.

Core Functions and Objectives

The department is dedicated to fostering a balanced and sustainable industrial ecosystem with the following key objectives:

• Industrial Promotion – Encouraging investment in manufacturing, agro-based industries, pharmaceuticals, and handicrafts.
• Entrepreneurship Development – Supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through financial aid and training programs.
• Export Promotion – Enhancing the state’s exports through policy support, trade facilitation, and infrastructure development.
• Sustainable Industrialization – Ensuring industries align with eco-friendly and sustainable practices.
• Skill Development & Employment Generation – Implementing programs to equip youth with vocational skills and employment opportunities.
• Ease of Doing Business – Simplifying business registration, clearances, and industrial licensing to attract investors.

Investment and Industrial Growth in Sikkim

Sikkim has emerged as one of India's leading investment destinations due to its strategic location, investor-friendly policies, and incentives for industries. The state has seen:

• Over ₹20,000 crore in cumulative industrial investments.
• Pharmaceutical hub development, making Sikkim one of India’s top destinations for pharmaceutical companies.
• Over 50 major industries, including Fortune 500 companies, established in the state.
• 30% of India's total pharmaceutical production being contributed by Sikkim-based industries.
• Significant growth in MSMEs, with over 2,000 registered small and medium enterprises.

Key Industrial Sectors in Sikkim

The department focuses on promoting various industrial sectors, including:

1. Pharmaceutical Industry – Houses major global pharmaceutical companies such as Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Glenmark.
2. Agro and Food Processing – Supports organic farming, food processing units, and agricultural exports.
3. Tourism & Hospitality – Encourages investment in eco-tourism and hospitality infrastructure.
4. Handicrafts & Handloom – Promotes traditional Sikkimese craftsmanship through various schemes.
5. IT & Technology – Supports startups and IT-based enterprises with financial assistance.
6. Hydropower & Renewable Energy – Focuses on sustainable energy projects.

Ease of Doing Business & Policy Initiatives

The Sikkim government has implemented various policies to attract investors and facilitate business growth:

• Single-Window Clearance System – Streamlined approval processes for industrial projects.
• State Industrial Policy – Offers subsidies, tax exemptions, and incentives to investors.
• 100% Income Tax and Excise Duty Exemptions – Extended benefits under the North East Industrial Policy.
• Special Incentives for MSMEs – Financial support, skill training, and credit facilitation for small enterprises.
• Organic Farming & Agri-Business Support – Financial assistance to promote Sikkim’s 100% organic agriculture sector.

Export and Trade Promotion

The department actively supports the export of local products through various trade facilitation measures:

• Organic Products Exports – Sikkim is India's first fully organic state, and its organic produce has strong export potential.
• Handicrafts & Handloom – Traditional Sikkimese textiles and handicrafts are promoted in international markets.
• Pharmaceuticals Export – Contributing significantly to India's global pharmaceutical supply chain.

Industrial Infrastructure and Support

To support industrialization, the government has developed state-of-the-art infrastructure, including:

• Industrial Growth Centres – Located in Rangpo and Mamring to facilitate large-scale manufacturing.
• Export Promotion Industrial Parks (EPIPs) – Designed to boost exports and attract foreign investment.
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs) – Under planning to further enhance trade and industrial growth.
• Skill Development Centres – Training the local workforce to meet industry demands.

Certifications and Compliance

The department ensures adherence to various national and international compliance standards, including:

• ISO 9001:2015 Certification for quality management.
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Standards for pharmaceutical industries.
• Organic Certification under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
• Environmental Clearances to promote sustainable industrial practices.

Achievements and Recognitions

• Sikkim ranked as the top state in India for Organic Farming by the Government of India.
• Awarded the "Best State for Ease of Doing Business" in Northeast India.
• Home to India’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturing hub with over 30% market share.
• Achieved 100% electrification of industrial zones, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

Future Roadmap and Expansion Plans

The Commerce & Industries Department aims to:

• Attract ₹10,000 crore in new industrial investments over the next five years.
• Develop Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to enhance trade and exports.
• Expand the pharmaceutical sector with incentives for R&D and innovation.
• Increase organic product exports to Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia.
• Enhance skill development programs to create over 50,000 jobs in the next decade.

The Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, continues to drive economic growth by fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting industries, and ensuring sustainable development for the future.