Govt launches Market Access Support worth Rs 4,531 crore under Export Promotion Mission

Govt issues key guidelines for Export Promotion Mission, allocates Rs 4,531 crore for Market Access Support

The government, on December 31, issued the guidelines for the Market Access Support (MAS), allocating Rs 4,531 crore for it for the period 2025–26 to 2030–31, including Rs 500 crore for 2025–26, to enhance the global reach and competitiveness of Indian exporters by supporting participation in international trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer–seller meets, and trade delegations.

The MAS, which is part of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), will be implemented through government bodies, export promotion councils, trade bodies, and industry associations, and aims to benefit exporters across sectors, with higher support for priority sectors.

The priority sectors for Market Access Support include key services such as tourism, healthcare, logistics, finance, legal, communication, construction, environmental, and education services, as well as products including agriculture and marine goods, handicrafts and handlooms, AYUSH and GI-tagged products, leather, toys, natural fibres, telecom, defence, and emerging technologies.

These sectors will receive preferential support with a cost-sharing ratio of 80:20, the commerce ministry said on December 31.

Director General of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Ajay Bhadoo said that the overall objective of the EPM is to make trade finance more accessible to exporters and to promote diversification into newer and emerging markets.

He noted that the government has released key guidelines under the mission, with a total of 11 sets planned. “A few of these guidelines have been released today, while the rest are expected to be out in a day or two,” Bhadoo explained.

The Market Access Support will provide assistance for up to two delegates per firm per event, with events required to have at least 35 percent participation from MSMEs.

Firms can generally receive support for up to three BSMs (buyer–seller meets) per year, while MSMEs get a higher limit, and new exporters will receive special support in their initial years.

Over the full scheme period (2025–31), there is an overall cap on how many times a firm can receive assistance, with higher limits for MSMEs

The Cabinet approved the EPM in November 2025 with an outlay of Rs 25,060 crore for the period 2025-26 to 2030-31.

The Mission has two sub-schemes: Niryat Protsahan, which focuses on improving access to trade finance and credit for exporters, especially MSMEs, and Niryat Disha, which covers non-financial measures to enhance the global competitiveness and export readiness of Indian exporters.

Bhadoo clarified that the mission is not aimed at countering US tariffs but is designed to address the long-term needs of Indian exporters.

“This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to diversify the export basket and increase the number of active exporters in the country. We are also pursuing other policy measures, such as negotiating free trade agreements and securing preferential market access, to further strengthen India’s export competitiveness,” he said.