SIDCO–NMDFC event aims to expand market access for Leh artisans
Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO), Ladakh, in partnership with the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC), organised a Marketing Exhibition-cum-Sale near Eco Park in Leh on 5 September 2026. The event provided a dedicated platform for local entrepreneurs, artisans and beneficiaries to display and sell their products and to learn about institutional support for enterprise growth.
The exhibition was attended by the Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, who acted as the chief guest and inspected multiple stalls, interacting with participating beneficiaries and entrepreneurs. The Chief Secretary took keen interest in both the products and the activities on display and commended the collaborative initiative led by SIDCO and NMDFC to strengthen livelihoods in the region.
Management and briefings: Himanshu Gupta, Managing Director of SIDCO Ladakh, briefed the Chief Secretary on the objectives of the exhibition and SIDCO’s broader work to promote entrepreneurship in Ladakh, including financial assistance and facilitation of market linkages. Stanzin Paksang, Senior Manager, SIDCO Leh, provided detailed information about the stalls, the nature of beneficiary activities and the loan support extended under various SIDCO and NMDFC schemes.
"The Chief Secretary appreciated the quality, variety and presentation of the products displayed and commended the efforts of SIDCO and NMDFC in providing both financial and marketing support to local entrepreneurs."
What organisers say and what it means for beneficiaries
According to the official account of the event, SIDCO and NMDFC used the exhibition to highlight how institutional finance and marketing assistance can enable beneficiaries to start or expand income-generating activities. Organisers emphasised product quality, branding and exploring wider markets as priorities to improve prospects for local businesses.
- Event: Marketing Exhibition-cum-Sale near Eco Park, Leh.
- Date: 5 September 2026 (visit by Chief Secretary reported).
- Main agencies: SIDCO (Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation) and NMDFC (National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation).
- Focus: Showcasing local products, presenting SIDCO/NMDFC loan and assistance details, and linking beneficiaries to market opportunities.
Officials on the ground
The official briefings at the exhibition underlined SIDCO’s role in lending and enterprise support and described the ways the corporation assists beneficiaries to establish and expand ventures. The Chief Secretary’s visit and interactions signalled administrative backing for initiatives aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ladakh.
| Official | Role | Contribution at exhibition |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh | Chief Guest | Visited stalls, interacted with beneficiaries, appreciated products |
| Himanshu Gupta | Managing Director, SIDCO Ladakh | Briefed the Chief Secretary on SIDCO initiatives and financial assistance |
| Stanzin Paksang | Senior Manager, SIDCO, Leh | Explained stall activities and loan details of beneficiaries |
Organisers urged beneficiaries to concentrate on improving product quality, strengthening branding and exploring wider markets to scale up business activities. The exhibition served both as a sales platform and an outreach exercise to make local entrepreneurs aware of available institutional schemes.
While the official release highlights the positive reception from the administration and the participating entrepreneurs, it also frames the event as part of SIDCO’s ongoing efforts to expand market linkages and provide financial support mechanisms in Ladakh.
Follow-up measures such as detailed market-linkage programmes, capacity-building workshops or structured branding support were not specified in the official account of the exhibition.
