MSMEs at the Centre of Export Growth
Addressing stakeholders on the occasion of World Day of Social Justice, Goyal said inclusive growth is essential for achieving true social justice. He emphasised that India’s development must reach the last person and ensure that MSMEs, startups and entrepreneurs benefit from global trade opportunities.
The Minister highlighted that India recorded double-digit growth in merchandise exports during the first half of February, reflecting rising global demand and strong domestic industry participation.
Expanding Global Market Access
Goyal underlined that India’s expanding Free Trade Agreement (FTA) network has opened access to nearly 70 percent of global GDP and two-thirds of global trade. With nine concluded FTAs, including the first tranche of the Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States, Indian exporters now enjoy preferential access to 38 developed and emerging economies.
He noted that since 2022, India has accelerated trade negotiations, reduced compliance burdens and improved ease of doing business. These efforts aim to position India as a globally competitive export powerhouse.
Financial Push Under ‘Niryat Protsahan’
Three major financial interventions were introduced under the Niryat Protsahan vertical. The Export Factoring scheme offers MSMEs an affordable working capital solution with 2.75 percent interest subvention, capped at ₹50 lakh per enterprise annually.
The Credit Assistance for E-Commerce Exporters initiative provides structured credit facilities. Direct E-Commerce Credit offers support up to ₹50 lakh with 90 percent guarantee coverage, while Overseas Inventory Credit extends up to ₹5 crore with 75 percent guarantee coverage.
A third intervention supports exporters exploring emerging or high-risk markets through shared-risk and credit instruments to enhance liquidity and confidence.
Ecosystem Support Under ‘Niryat Disha’
The TRACE (Trade Regulations, Accreditation & Compliance Enablement) initiative will reimburse up to 75 percent of eligible certification and testing costs, helping exporters meet global standards.
FLOW (Facilitating Logistics, Overseas Warehousing & Fulfilment) supports overseas warehousing projects, including Bharat Mart in Dubai, providing assistance up to 30 percent of approved project costs.
LIFT (Logistics Interventions for Freight & Transport) offers partial reimbursement of freight expenses to exporters from low export intensity districts, while INSIGHT strengthens trade intelligence and district-level facilitation.
Coordinated Implementation Framework
The Export Promotion Mission is being implemented by the Department of Commerce in coordination with the Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Finance, EXIM Bank, CGTMSE and other financial institutions. Indian Missions abroad and Export Promotion Councils are also playing a critical role.
With the launch of these seven measures, 10 out of the 11 proposed interventions under the Export Promotion Mission are now operational. Three earlier initiatives — Market Access Support, Interest Subvention for Export Credit and Collateral Support for Export Credit — are already under implementation.
Technology and Future Growth
Goyal also spoke about India’s growing leadership in emerging technologies. He said advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing and indigenous large language models would create new export opportunities and attract investment.
Industry bodies including FIEO, EEPC, GJEPC, CII, FICCI, PHDCCI, ASSOCHAM and NASSCOM welcomed the initiative, expressing confidence that the Mission would reduce structural bottlenecks and enhance global integration of Indian MSMEs.
The Export Promotion Mission signals a strategic shift towards inclusive, technology-driven and globally integrated export growth, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a leading trade power.
