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The India–EU economic relationship is entering an important new phase, opening significant opportunities for Indian MSMEs to access a large and sophisticated market, join European supply chains and forge technology partnerships. But an FTA can only open the door; it cannot ensure that our enterprises are able to walk through it. This was the central message of FISME's International Conference on "India–EU Partnership for MSME Competitiveness, Sustainability and Global Value Chains", held in Sonipat on 25–26 September 2026.
The discussions highlighted that market access must be matched by market readiness. For MSMEs, succeeding in Europe increasingly requires understanding Rules of Origin, technical standards, certification, traceability, REACH and SPS requirements, as well as emerging carbon and sustainability regulations. Government initiatives such as the Export Promotion Mission and ZED can provide important support, but millions of MSMEs cannot be prepared enterprise by enterprise from Delhi. Capacity must be built closer to them—in industrial clusters and through capable MSME associations.
FISME therefore used the conference to initiate capacity-building partnerships with six regional associations. Our endeavour is to help associations evolve beyond grievance representation into institutions that can provide MSMEs with knowledge, compliance support, technology awareness, market intelligence and access to Government programmes. FISME's effort will be to help translate information into preparedness, preparedness into capability, and capability into global competitiveness.
FISME with support of Ministry of MSME, organised a two-day international conference, "India-EU Partnership for MSME Competitiveness, Sustainability & Global Value Chains," in Sonipat on 25–26 September. The conference brought together policymakers, experts and industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities arising from the India-EU FTA, EU regulations, sustainability standards, rules of origin and sector-specific prospects for MSMEs. International experts included Prof. Sangeeta Khorana (Aston Business School, UK), Prof. Carmine Soprano (Tor Vergata University/LSE), Prof. Wolfgang Sofka (Copenhagen Business School), Francesco Salustri (Roma Tre University, Italy), and Ms. Kate Foster (FSB, UK), who shared valuable perspectives on enhancing MSME competitiveness and global integration.
Entrepreneurs are creative individuals who use their business techniques and leadership skills to cultivate productive and profitable enterprises. Achieving success as an entrepreneur can look vastly different depending on the nature of the business, location and even the state of the economy, but there are still basic ways to encourage others to succeed in your organization. Being profitable, innovative and inspiring helps make an entrepreneur successful and helps them to continue developing in their career.
Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will need to prepare for European Union (EU) environmental, certification and other non-tariff requirements to fully benefit from the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA), a senior government official said on Friday. The FTA is expected to become operational in the January-March quarter of 2027, subject to completion of the requisite approval processes.Lower tariffs alone would not guarantee higher exports unless Indian businesses were able to comply with requirements related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, the Carbon ...
India’s merchandise exports have increased by more than 15 per cent during the first six months of the current financial year up to September 21, despite global economic uncertainties and disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. Addressing the media after the 14th India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investment meeting, Goyal said the export growth was significant amid geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade route for India, reported PTI.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into India rose 6 per cent year-on-year to USD 19.81 billion in the April-June quarter of FY2026-27, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). India had received USD 18.62 billion during the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. April Drives Quarterly Growth The quarterly increase was led by a sharp rise in April inflows, which nearly doubled to USD 12.1 billion from USD 6.6 billion a year earlier, reported The Mint.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has withdrawn recognition of 15 pre-shipment inspection agencies (PSIAs) following a review that found irregularities in the issuance of pre-shipment inspection certificates (PSICs). Metal scrap importers have raised concerns over clearance delays, penalties and additional inspection costs. DGFT Flags Irregularities In PSIC Issuance The DGFT said the agencies had issued a large number of PSICs using a single instrument across countries without following prescribed inspection and certification procedures.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has extended by one month, to October 31, the deadline for applications under the second round of Phase-I of the Rs 33,660-crore Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (Bhavya) for developing industrial parks. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is inviting applications under the scheme in two rounds, according to an office memorandum. The extension was considered at a meeting of the National-level Steering Committee held on September 14, the ministry said.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) is set to provide critical gap funding to start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) pursuing high-risk innovation in new drug and therapy development under the Rs 5,000 crore Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech (PRIP) Scheme. The new funding track will support early-stage novel drug discovery projects and is aimed at accelerating research and investment in pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
The Supreme Court has held that a High Court cannot transfer an appeal under Section 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act against a Section 9 interim order to an Arbitral Tribunal for treatment as an application under Section 17, even with the parties’ consent. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Prasanna B Varale set aside a Bombay High Court direction remitting such proceedings to an Arbitral Tribunal, observing that the powers under Sections 9, 17 and 37 arise from distinct sources of jurisdiction.
The government will release the proposed National Steel Policy in the public domain within about a week for stakeholder consultation, setting out a long-term roadmap for India's steel sector up to 2047, according to Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Poundrik said, “This National Steel Policy is being formulated with a vision to bring India to Viksit Bharat target in 2047. In about a week, we will put this policy into public domain for consultation and for comments from stakeholders,” ANI reported.
The fourth edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) recorded strong growth in footfall, investment and business activity, with 4,400 MoUs worth Rs 6,500 crore signed during the five-day event held from September 25 to 29. Business inquiries generated during the trade show were estimated at around Rs 15,500 crore, while visitor numbers increased by 1.5 lakh compared with the previous edition. According to official data from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the event recorded 41,500 B2B and business meetings.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducted an awareness programme for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Trichy on Monday, sensitising entrepreneurs on Indian Standards, Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and BIS licensing procedures.The programme covered key sectors including furniture, electronics and engineering products, with officials highlighting the importance of standardisation and quality certification for MSMEs.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched the Delhi Udyog Mitra Portal, a single-window digital platform aimed at simplifying government approvals and services for traders, entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, industrial units and investors. The portal currently integrates more than 50 services from 15 departments, with the Delhi government planning to expand it to more than 100 services across 21 departments by next month.
Haryana will showcase its MSMEs, artisans and state-manufactured products at the India International Trade Fair (IITF)-2026 in Delhi, with smaller enterprises and craftspeople to receive stalls at subsidised rates to expand their market access. The IITF will be held at Bharat Mandapam from November 14 to 27 under the theme ‘Development and Heritage’, with Haryana participating through the Trade Fair Authority of Haryana (TFAH).
India and the Republic of Korea reviewed bilateral cooperation in defence industries and logistics at the 10th Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi on September 29. The meeting was co-chaired by Dinesh Mahur, Additional Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, and Kim Il Dong, Vice Minister, Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Republic of Korea. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ defence industries and increasing engagement in defence production and logistics.
India and the UAE have agreed to accelerate work on local-currency settlement and integration of their payment and financial messaging systems to facilitate cross-border trade and investment. The decision was taken at the 14th meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments, co-chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Managing Director Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two sides reviewed progress by their central banks on local-currency settlement, payment and messaging system integration, and central bank digital currencies. They agreed to support timely implementation of the initiatives, reported Economic Times.
Which factor is currently contributing most to growth in your business?
According to the FISME factor, 100% of MSMEs believe that government spending and infrastructure are currently contributing most to growth in
your business?
Company: Apex Digital (fictitious), a mid-sized technology company with 1,600 employees, building SaaS products and digital solutions for enterprise clients across banking, retail and healthcare. Background Riya Kapoor has been on the product team at Apex Digital for three years. By most internal measures, she is one of the strongest individual contributors in the function. Her manager has said so. Her performance reviews have said so. And when Apex needed someone to anchor its most critical client relationship, a flagship account that contributes significantly to the company’s revenue, Riya was the person it trusted.
6 Financial tips for managing your businesses successfully
The blog outlines six essential financial tips for managing a business effectively during its start-up phase. It emphasises the importance of monitoring expenses, reducing overheads, ensuring tax compliance, managing customer data, establishing robust accounting systems, and adopting sound banking practices to achieve long-term success and sustainable growth.
How To Grow Your Small Business With A Lean Marketing Budget
Every business needs marketing, no matter whether you run a small business you started with only $5k or a large company. In fact, 68% of SMBs anticipate to increase their marketing spend despite economic uncertainty, according to a Constant Contact Small Business Report. It’s essential for helping your business build awareness of your products or services and attract new customers.
Kraft Paper Price Hikes Put 30,000 Corrugated Packaging MSMEs Under Financial Pressure
The corrugated packaging industry is facing renewed financial pressure as kraft paper mills continue to raise prices ahead of the festive season, squeezing margins and working capital for box manufacturers. According to the Uttar Pradesh Corrugated Box Manufacturers Association, kraft paper prices have increased by around 25-30 per cent in less than two months, while prices of high-BF kraft paper have risen further.
Ottonomy is building robots for real-world logistics
Ritukar Vijay believes there is one part of logistics that is always messier than the rest: the middle. While robotics has slowly been incorporated into the industry over the past decade, the “messy middle” of moving samples, meals, parts and parcels between buildings, through elevators, and across campuses remained largely non-automated. That changed with the COVID-19 pandemic, Vijay says. Hospitals, industrial campuses, and travel hubs suddenly needed contactless movement of goods and supplies.
How three founders built Scimplify to fill India's chemical supply gap
It began with a chance encounter in the United States (US). On a visit to the US in 2022, Sachin Santhosh struck up a conversation with a pharma company executive who was desperate for a specific chemical intermediate used in a drug. The compound itself wasn’t hard to find—a factory in Hyderabad could make it, and both men knew the manufacturer. “But,” the American buyer asked, “can they actually make it at the right quality, scale it
The National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has released the Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production and Use- Based Index for the Month of August 2026 (Base 2022-23=100).
FISME regularly receives monthly reports on the economies of various countries from their missions in India. These reports provide information on key economic parameters, trade related information and all news relevant for importers and exporters. In this edition you can take a look at reports on:
Write your comments on the FISME Factor. Share your views and suggestions on MSME issues. Win prize! The best mail will get a special book every fortnight.
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The India–EU economic relationship is entering an important new phase, opening significant opportunities for Indian MSMEs to access a large and sophisticated market, join European supply chains and forge technology partnerships. But an FTA can only open the door; it cannot ensure that our enterprises are able to walk through it. This was the central message of FISME's International Conference on "India–EU Partnership for MSME Competitiveness, Sustainability and Global Value Chains", held in Sonipat on 25–26 September 2026.
The discussions highlighted that market access must be matched by market readiness. For MSMEs, succeeding in Europe increasingly requires understanding Rules of Origin, technical standards, certification, traceability, REACH and SPS requirements, as well as emerging carbon and sustainability regulations. Government initiatives such as the Export Promotion Mission and ZED can provide important support, but millions of MSMEs cannot be prepared enterprise by enterprise from Delhi. Capacity must be built closer to them—in industrial clusters and through capable MSME associations.
FISME therefore used the conference to initiate capacity-building partnerships with six regional associations. Our endeavour is to help associations evolve beyond grievance representation into institutions that can provide MSMEs with knowledge, compliance support, technology awareness, market intelligence and access to Government programmes. FISME's effort will be to help translate information into preparedness, preparedness into capability, and capability into global competitiveness.
FISME with support of Ministry of MSME, organised a two-day international conference, "India-EU Partnership for MSME Competitiveness, Sustainability & Global Value Chains," in Sonipat on 25–26 September. The conference brought together policymakers, experts and industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities arising from the India-EU FTA, EU regulations, sustainability standards, rules of origin and sector-specific prospects for MSMEs. International experts included Prof. Sangeeta Khorana (Aston Business School, UK), Prof. Carmine Soprano (Tor Vergata University/LSE), Prof. Wolfgang Sofka (Copenhagen Business School), Francesco Salustri (Roma Tre University, Italy), and Ms. Kate Foster (FSB, UK), who shared valuable perspectives on enhancing MSME competitiveness and global integration.
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India’s merchandise exports have increased by more than 15 per cent during the first six months of the current financial year up to September 21, despite global economic uncertainties and disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. Addressing the media after the 14th India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investment meeting, Goyal said the export growth was significant amid geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade route for India, reported PTI.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into India rose 6 per cent year-on-year to USD 19.81 billion in the April-June quarter of FY2026-27, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). India had received USD 18.62 billion during the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. April Drives Quarterly Growth The quarterly increase was led by a sharp rise in April inflows, which nearly doubled to USD 12.1 billion from USD 6.6 billion a year earlier, reported The Mint.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has withdrawn recognition of 15 pre-shipment inspection agencies (PSIAs) following a review that found irregularities in the issuance of pre-shipment inspection certificates (PSICs). Metal scrap importers have raised concerns over clearance delays, penalties and additional inspection costs. DGFT Flags Irregularities In PSIC Issuance The DGFT said the agencies had issued a large number of PSICs using a single instrument across countries without following prescribed inspection and certification procedures.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has extended by one month, to October 31, the deadline for applications under the second round of Phase-I of the Rs 33,660-crore Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (Bhavya) for developing industrial parks. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is inviting applications under the scheme in two rounds, according to an office memorandum. The extension was considered at a meeting of the National-level Steering Committee held on September 14, the ministry said.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) is set to provide critical gap funding to start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) pursuing high-risk innovation in new drug and therapy development under the Rs 5,000 crore Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech (PRIP) Scheme. The new funding track will support early-stage novel drug discovery projects and is aimed at accelerating research and investment in pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
The Supreme Court has held that a High Court cannot transfer an appeal under Section 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act against a Section 9 interim order to an Arbitral Tribunal for treatment as an application under Section 17, even with the parties’ consent. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Prasanna B Varale set aside a Bombay High Court direction remitting such proceedings to an Arbitral Tribunal, observing that the powers under Sections 9, 17 and 37 arise from distinct sources of jurisdiction.
The government will release the proposed National Steel Policy in the public domain within about a week for stakeholder consultation, setting out a long-term roadmap for India's steel sector up to 2047, according to Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Poundrik said, “This National Steel Policy is being formulated with a vision to bring India to Viksit Bharat target in 2047. In about a week, we will put this policy into public domain for consultation and for comments from stakeholders,” ANI reported.
The fourth edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) recorded strong growth in footfall, investment and business activity, with 4,400 MoUs worth Rs 6,500 crore signed during the five-day event held from September 25 to 29. Business inquiries generated during the trade show were estimated at around Rs 15,500 crore, while visitor numbers increased by 1.5 lakh compared with the previous edition. According to official data from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the event recorded 41,500 B2B and business meetings.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducted an awareness programme for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Trichy on Monday, sensitising entrepreneurs on Indian Standards, Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and BIS licensing procedures.The programme covered key sectors including furniture, electronics and engineering products, with officials highlighting the importance of standardisation and quality certification for MSMEs.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched the Delhi Udyog Mitra Portal, a single-window digital platform aimed at simplifying government approvals and services for traders, entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, industrial units and investors. The portal currently integrates more than 50 services from 15 departments, with the Delhi government planning to expand it to more than 100 services across 21 departments by next month.
Haryana will showcase its MSMEs, artisans and state-manufactured products at the India International Trade Fair (IITF)-2026 in Delhi, with smaller enterprises and craftspeople to receive stalls at subsidised rates to expand their market access. The IITF will be held at Bharat Mandapam from November 14 to 27 under the theme ‘Development and Heritage’, with Haryana participating through the Trade Fair Authority of Haryana (TFAH).
India and the Republic of Korea reviewed bilateral cooperation in defence industries and logistics at the 10th Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi on September 29. The meeting was co-chaired by Dinesh Mahur, Additional Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, and Kim Il Dong, Vice Minister, Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Republic of Korea. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ defence industries and increasing engagement in defence production and logistics.
India and the UAE have agreed to accelerate work on local-currency settlement and integration of their payment and financial messaging systems to facilitate cross-border trade and investment. The decision was taken at the 14th meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments, co-chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Managing Director Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two sides reviewed progress by their central banks on local-currency settlement, payment and messaging system integration, and central bank digital currencies. They agreed to support timely implementation of the initiatives, reported Economic Times.
According to the FISME factor, 100% of MSMEs believe that government spending and infrastructure are currently contributing most to growth in
your business?
Company: Apex Digital (fictitious), a mid-sized technology company with 1,600 employees, building SaaS products and digital solutions for enterprise clients across banking, retail and healthcare. Background Riya Kapoor has been on the product team at Apex Digital for three years. By most internal measures, she is one of the strongest individual contributors in the function. Her manager has said so. Her performance reviews have said so. And when Apex needed someone to anchor its most critical client relationship, a flagship account that contributes significantly to the company’s revenue, Riya was the person it trusted.
Every business needs marketing, no matter whether you run a small business you started with only $5k or a large company. In fact, 68% of SMBs anticipate to increase their marketing spend despite economic uncertainty, according to a Constant Contact Small Business Report. It’s essential for helping your business build awareness of your products or services and attract new customers.
The corrugated packaging industry is facing renewed financial pressure as kraft paper mills continue to raise prices ahead of the festive season, squeezing margins and working capital for box manufacturers. According to the Uttar Pradesh Corrugated Box Manufacturers Association, kraft paper prices have increased by around 25-30 per cent in less than two months, while prices of high-BF kraft paper have risen further.
Ritukar Vijay believes there is one part of logistics that is always messier than the rest: the middle. While robotics has slowly been incorporated into the industry over the past decade, the “messy middle” of moving samples, meals, parts and parcels between buildings, through elevators, and across campuses remained largely non-automated. That changed with the COVID-19 pandemic, Vijay says. Hospitals, industrial campuses, and travel hubs suddenly needed contactless movement of goods and supplies.
It began with a chance encounter in the United States (US). On a visit to the US in 2022, Sachin Santhosh struck up a conversation with a pharma company executive who was desperate for a specific chemical intermediate used in a drug. The compound itself wasn’t hard to find—a factory in Hyderabad could make it, and both men knew the manufacturer. “But,” the American buyer asked, “can they actually make it at the right quality, scale it
“ When You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water. ”
