The latest export data shows a significant rise in the contribution of India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector to national merchandise exports. The MSME share has increased from 45.74% in 2023–24 to 48.55% in 2024–25 (in USD value terms), underscoring the sector’s expanding role in driving India’s global trade performance.
To further accelerate export growth, especially from the MSME sector, the Government has approved the Export Promotion Mission (EPM)—a comprehensive framework designed to strengthen the country’s export ecosystem. Under this mission, two major support pillars have been established:
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NIRYAT PROTSAHAN – Focused on improving trade finance access for MSME exporters.
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NIRYAT DISHA – Provides non-financial support, including export-quality guidance, compliance assistance, logistics facilitation, market access interventions, and broader ecosystem development.
In addition, the Government’s recent GST rationalisation measures are expected to further enhance MSME competitiveness by lowering costs of raw materials and essential services. This move is particularly beneficial for sectors such as automobiles, textiles, food processing, logistics, and handicrafts—enabling MSMEs and start-ups to scale operations, innovate, and compete effectively in domestic and global markets.
Key Government Initiatives Strengthening MSMEs in the Global Value Chain
Alongside the Export Promotion Mission, the Government has undertaken several initiatives to boost MSME competitiveness worldwide:
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PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan – Facilitates integrated, multimodal logistics planning to ensure faster and more cost-efficient connectivity.
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National Logistics Policy (NLP) – Aims to enhance economic growth by building a robust and cost-effective national logistics network.
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Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) – Offers 100% credit guarantee through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) to Member Lending Institutions, enabling additional credit support of up to ₹20,000 crore for eligible exporters, including MSMEs.
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International Cooperation Scheme – Helps MSMEs enter global markets by supporting participation in international exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, conferences, and providing reimbursement of export-related expenses.
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Micro and Small Enterprises – Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) – Enhances productivity and competitiveness through cluster-based development, including financial assistance for Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and infrastructure upgrades in industrial estates.
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MSME Competitive (Lean) Scheme – Promotes adoption of lean manufacturing techniques to reduce rejection rates, minimise material movement, cut costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.