The capability of Indian MSME products to compete in international markets is reflected in its share of about 34% in national exports. In case of items like readymade garments, leather goods, processed foods, engineering items, the performance has been commendable both in terms of value and their share within the MSME sector while in some cases like sports goods they account for 100% share to the total exports of the sector.
In view of this, export promotion from the small scale sector has been accorded high priority in India’s export promotion strategy which includes simplification of procedures, incentives for higher production of exports, preferential treatments to MSMEs in the market development fund, simplification of duty drawback rules, etc.
There have been numerous efforts to provide support to the SME segment through various organizations and institutions involved in the promotion and development of the SSI sector existing at different levels, through various promotional schemes. However, no effort has been made towards the compilation of these schemes extended to SMEs at central and individual state levels, under one umbrella.
In this context, Federation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (FISME) along with IIFT with funding from UNCTAD aims at “Development of a compendium for SMEs on Export Promotional Schemes and Institutions in India". This study has been undertaken as Tier II partner under its project on ‘Strategies and Preparedness for Trade and Globalization in India’ by Department of Commerce, UNCTAD India. The analysis of such tabulation (scheme-wise/ sector-wise) and region wise) would help the policy makers to further enhance the efficacy of such schemes.