Why in the News?
The Government of India has launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention under the Export Promotion Mission to strengthen global market access for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs and first time exporters.
About Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention
The Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention is a government backed programme providing financial and institutional support to Indian exporters for accessing and expanding international markets through structured trade and buyer engagement activities.
Implemented Under
- NIRYAT DISHA sub scheme
• Export Promotion Mission (EPM)
Implementing Ministries
• Department of Commerce
• Ministry of MSME
• Ministry of Finance
Aim
- Strengthen global market access for Indian exporters
• Support MSMEs, first time exporters, and priority sectors
• Promote export diversification into new and emerging markets
• Enable predictable, outcome driven export promotion
Key Features
- Market access activities: Support for Buyer Seller Meets, Mega Reverse BSMs, international trade fairs, exhibitions, and trade delegations
• Advance planning: 3 to 5 year rolling calendar of approved events for continuity
• MSME focus: Minimum 35 percent MSME participation in supported events
• Financial rationalisation:
◦ Revised cost sharing norms
◦ Event wise financial ceilings
◦ Partial airfare support for exporters with turnover up to ₹75 lakh
• Digital governance: End to end online processes through trade.gov.in
• Outcome tracking: Mandatory online feedback on buyer quality, leads generated, and market relevance
• Technology push: Upcoming support for Proof of Concepts and product demonstrations in sunrise and tech intensive sectors
Significance
- Enhances global competitiveness of Indian exports
• Reduces entry barriers for MSMEs and new exporters
• Supports India’s goal of export diversification beyond traditional markets
• Improves market intelligence and buyer connectivity
Prelims Pointers
- MAS is not a direct export subsidy
• Focus on market access, not production incentives
• Mandatory MSME participation norm
• Fully digitally monitored scheme
• Linked to Export Promotion Mission
| Consider the following statements: [2023]
Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods. Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ (PLI) scheme. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect. (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct. |
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