India’s Commerce Department launched the Market Access Support scheme (MAS) on Wednesday for exporters, allocating ₹4,531 crore over six years to enhance market reach and diversification, with particular emphasis on MSMEs, first-time exporters, and priority sectors.
The initiative forms part of the ₹25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission and will be implemented through the Market Access Initiative (MAI). Under the plan, ₹4,531 crore has been set aside for FY2025–31, including ₹500 crore specifically allocated for FY2025–26.
The scheme targets first-time exporters and companies from priority sectors, including agriculture, leather, handloom, and toys, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The MAI is the inaugural scheme under the Export Promotion Mission, detailing a range of measures designed to provide structured financial and institutional assistance to Indian exporters in international markets.
The scheme has been launched amid challenges faced by exporters following the United States’ imposition of a 50% tariff on several Indian goods.
Ajay Bhadoo, additional secretary at the Department of Commerce and head of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), said the initiative primarily seeks to address the long-term challenges confronting exporters and should not be viewed as a response to U.S. tariffs.
Under the initiative, assistance will be provided for participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, buyer-seller meets (BSMs), mega reverse buyer-seller meets (RBSMs) held in India, product showcases, and global branding efforts.
These activities will be coordinated through government departments, export promotion councils, overseas missions, and recognized industry bodies.
The scheme’s priority sectors extend to tourism and hospitality, medical travel, transport and logistics, as well as marine industries, sports goods, and AYUSH.
To ensure broader participation, at least 35% of participants in supported events must be MSMEs, with special emphasis on tapping new regions and smaller markets to foster export diversification. Furthermore, small exporters with an annual export turnover of up to ₹75 lakh will be eligible for partial airfare support to encourage participation from new and first-time exporters.
Bhadoo also noted that the government plans to introduce an interest equalization scheme worth over ₹5,000 crore, which will be declared soon.
To strengthen accountability, the ministry is developing the Importer Exporter Codes (IECs) index to assess exporters’ performance. With data collection already underway, the index is expected to be applied within a year to help exporters tap into new markets and encourage broader participation.
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