New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS): Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. V.K. Singh (Retd) on Saturday said the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) can play a big role in nation building by creating new job opportunities for the youth.

Speaking at the fourth edition of the "India International MSME and Start-up Expo", Singh said the sustenance of the economy of any country rested on the MSME sector.

"When we talk of the economy of a country, we look at big names, companies and industrial complexes. But actual power and sustenance of an economy of any country rest on the MSME sector itself," a statement quoted the minister as saying.

Singh added that the central government was giving "a great push" to start-ups which could help in creating new jobs and encourage youth to take up new challenges.

"The growth of MSME sector will also play a big role in nation building since 65 per cent of the population is below 35 years and we all have to create new jobs for the youth."

"The growth of the sector will also revive our patriotic spirit and unify us to work towards the betterment of the nation," he said at the event organised by the MSME Development Forum in association with the Ministry of Railways and the Commerce and Industry Ministry.

DONER Minister Jitendra Singh added that it was the right time to invest in skills and become an entrepreneur.

"It has been a trend in our country to seek jobs instead of becoming entrepreneurs and creating jobs. But this is precisely the right time to invest in skills and become an entrepreneur," he said.