New Delhi: The government has introduced a comprehensive Export Promotion Mission (EPM) framework to strengthen the overall export ecosystem, particularly focusing on the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, according to a written reply by Minister of State for MSME, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, in the Rajya Sabha today.
The Minister’s statement highlighted the growing contribution of MSMEs to the nation’s exports, with their share in overall merchandise exports rising from 45.74% in 2023-24 to 48.55% in 2024-25 in US dollar value terms.
The EPM is structured around two key pillars: NIRYAT PROTSAHAN and NIRYAT DISHA. NIRYAT PROTSAHAN will focus on trade finance facilitation for MSME exporters. NIRYAT DISHA will provide non-financial support, including assistance with export quality and compliance, market-access interventions, logistics facilitation, and export ecosystem-building measures.
Furthermore, the recent comprehensive GST rationalisation is expected to strengthen MSMEs by fortifying local supply chains in critical sectors such as automobiles, textiles, food processing, logistics, and handicrafts. Lower GST rates have made raw materials and services more affordable, encouraging small and medium enterprises and start-ups to scale up operations, invest in innovation, and enhance their domestic and global competitiveness.
The government has also undertaken several other initiatives to boost competitiveness in the global value chain:
- The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is enabling comprehensive and integrated planning for multimodal logistics.
- The National Logistics Policy (NLP) aims to drive economic growth through a cost-effective logistics network.
- The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) provides 100% credit guarantee coverage by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) for extending additional credit facilities up to Rs. 20,000 crore to eligible exporters, including MSMEs.
- The International Cooperation Scheme capacity builds MSMEs for entering the export market by facilitating their participation in international events and reimbursing various export-related costs.
- The Micro and Small Enterprises- Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) aims to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of MSEs through a cluster development approach by extending financial assistance for establishing Common Facility Centers (CFCs) and upgrading infrastructural facilities.
- The MSME Competitive (Lean) scheme enhances domestic and global competitiveness by applying various Lean Techniques to achieve reductions in rejection rates, product and raw material movements, and product cost.