India’s First Mass Export Development Program concluded with a mission to enable 200,000 First time MSME Exporters
Bengaluru. India SME Forum rolled-out India’s First ever Mass Export Development Program with a Mission to enable 200,000 First time MSME Exporters at its Regional MSME Exports Summit at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels.
The ambitious initiative was launched by the Union Minister of MSME, Narayan Tatu Rane and Santosh Sarangi, IAS, Director General of Foreign Trade in November 2023, with an objective of orienting 200,000 first time MSME exporters by training & facilitating them in finding the Exports potential for their products, exploring newer exports markets, covering phytosanitary measures, international certifications, quality standards etc. for MSME focused products.
As a part of this initiative, India SME Forum has charted out an outreach route to include and cover as many MSMEs as possible across the length & breadth of the country. As a part of which it endeavours to conduct roadshows between Jan-March, covering regional metro cities and industry clusters with sectoral exports potential, with a focus of import substitution, to enable maximum exposure & awareness for the initiative among the MSME fraternity. UPS & ICICI Bank are associated with the initiative to offer subject matter expertise and handholding to MSMEs for Logistics & trade finance related matters.
The Bangalore Regional Summit featured special talks by Experts on Evaluating Exports potential of sectoral & MSME products as well as Leveraging Free Trade Agreements for Export Success thereby offering insights to MSMEs on the potential of specific HSN codes garnering a tangible impact by ground connect and mentoring of aspiring Exporters. The objective clearly being Navigate the International Market Landscape for MSMEs & carve a successful roadmap for MSME Exports.
The deliberations by Experts highlighted and addressed concerns / challenges faced by MSMEs for Exports and covered:
• Assessing high-potential export markets for Indian MSMEs based on economic growth projections, demographic trends, policy reforms, trade agreements etc.
• Navigating trade agreements (FTAs) and economic partnerships.
• Role of e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Alibaba in enabling MSME exports - opportunities and challenges.
• Compliance with international standards and certifications to enhance competitiveness globally.
• Using digital marketing and social media to build international brand awareness and connect with overseas customers.
• Adopting digital tools for managing overseas orders, payments, and logistics.
• Understanding the nuances of cross-border transactions, forex management, trade financing and taxation.
• Strategies for product adaptation and localization to meet regulatory standards and cultural preferences in target markets.
The Summit saw some distinguished speakers including industry experts, and government officials who shared their knowledge and insights on the above challenges related to MSME exports. The Summit also provided a platform for networking and collaboration among participants, fostering partnerships and business opportunities. Over 200+ MSMEs & Aspiring Exporters attended the Bengaluru Regional MSME Exports Summit.
Vinod Kumar, President, India SME Forum, said, “In our pursuit to elevate India's export capabilities, the launch of ‘IndiaXports – India’s First Mass Exports Development Program’, marks a transformative milestone in empowering MSMEs. This no-cost initiative reaffirms our dedication to nurturing export capabilities and enhancing entrepreneurial capacities. We are resolute in our mission to propel MSMEs onto the global stage, creating a landscape of opportunities and driving economic prosperity through strategic initiatives and collective efforts.” He further added that, “The lack of exposure to global markets inhibits entrepreneurs from exploring international opportunities.’IndiaXports aims to change this paradigm, encouraging MSMEs to broaden their horizons and participate in the global marketplace.”
About INDIA SME FORUM- India SME Forum (ISF) is the India’s largest not for profit, non-political, non-governmental & nontrade organization for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs, with over 98,200 MSMEs as paid members including 9400+ Women Entrepreneurs and over 12,36,000 MSMEs as subscribers, and with 19 State Chapters across the country. Our professional association & affiliation includes Ministry of MSME, Govt of India, FIDD RBI, UNIDO, UNCTAD, ITC Geneva, WUSME, INSME & WTO’s informal group for SMEs.
FORUM FOR INTERNET RETAILERS, SELLERS & TRADERS (FIRST) INDIA –FIRST, a division of ISF formed in order to support the entry of retailers, sellers and traders who have been inducted in the definition of micro small and medium enterprises under the MSMED Act 2006 on the advice of the Advisory Committee constituted under subsection (2) of section 7 of the MSMED Act 2006. Together with Indian policymakers, FIRST India can work on a daily basis to create a conducive policy and ecosystem, which will help remove, the biggest obstacles for online merchants to expand their business nationally as well as across-borders.
