Government Launches Market Access Support for Indian Exporters

The Indian government has introduced the Market Access Support (MAS) initiative to enhance international market access for exporters, particularly targeting MSMEs and first-time exporters. This program, part of the Export Promotion Mission, aims to provide structured financial and institutional support for various export activities. With a focus on new geographical markets and a minimum participation requirement for MSMEs, the initiative seeks to diversify India's export landscape. The government plans to streamline processes through an online platform, ensuring transparency and ease of access for stakeholders. Feedback mechanisms will also be implemented to refine the program continuously. This initiative is expected to significantly improve India's presence in global markets.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 15:34 IST

Introduction of Market Access Support

New Delhi, Dec 31: The Indian government has initiated the Market Access Support (MAS) program to enhance international market opportunities for exporters. This initiative was unveiled on Wednesday as part of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a key program that received approval from the Union Cabinet in November.

The MAS program operates under the 'NIRYAT DISHA' sub-scheme of EPM, focusing on improving market access for Indian exporters, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), first-time exporters, and companies in priority sectors, as stated by the Commerce Ministry.

Through the Market Access Support initiative, exporters will receive structured financial and institutional assistance for various activities, including Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs), participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, Mega Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets (RBSMs) held in India, and trade delegations to key and emerging export markets.

The ministry plans to create a proactive three-to-five-year calendar of significant market access events, which will be approved in advance. This will allow exporters and organizing bodies to plan their participation well ahead, ensuring ongoing market development efforts.

A minimum of 35 percent participation from MSMEs is required for supported events, with a focus on new geographical areas and smaller markets to promote export diversification. The size of delegations is set at a minimum of 50 participants, with flexibility based on market conditions and strategic importance, according to an official statement.

Additionally, financial support ceilings and cost-sharing ratios for events have been adjusted, with priority given to specific sectors and markets.

Small exporters with an export turnover of up to Rs 75 lakh in the previous year will receive partial airfare assistance to encourage their participation.

The entire process for event listing, proposal submissions, approvals, participant onboarding, fund disbursement, and monitoring will be facilitated through https://trade.gov.in, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all involved.

An online feedback mechanism will be mandatory for exporters attending each supported event, assessing factors such as buyer quality, business leads generated, and market relevance.

The ministry indicated that the MAS guidelines will be continuously refined and institutionalized based on feedback and implementation insights.

The MAS initiative aims to strengthen buyer connections and boost India's visibility in global markets through structured and results-driven market access strategies.