Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of India’s economy, contributing nearly 30% to the country’s GDP and over 45% to its total exports. Despite this significant impact, MSMEs often face challenges when it comes to entering and sustaining a presence in global markets. Limited access to finance, lack of international marketing exposure, and compliance with global standards remain some of the most pressing barriers.
Recognizing this, two key industry bodies—the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) and the CII Export Promotion Council—have developed a series of programs, policy initiatives, and capacity-building tools specifically designed to help MSMEs scale up their export potential.
Creating Export-Ready MSMEs Through Strategic Interventions
FIEO, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has a sharp focus on simplifying the export process for smaller businesses. It helps MSMEs navigate the complex terrain of international trade by offering services such as digital onboarding, trade documentation assistance, and market research.
One of the most transformative steps taken by FIEO has been the creation of the FIEO GlobalLinker platform, which provides MSMEs with a free online storefront to showcase their products globally. Through this portal, exporters can access potential buyers, attend virtual B2B meets, and get industry updates in real time.
Additionally, FIEO supports exporters through regular training sessions on key export procedures—ranging from HS code selection and export financing to understanding international contracts. These practical tools are tailored to empower smaller exporters who may not have in-house expertise in global trade operations.
CII’s Role in Ecosystem Development and Policy Advocacy
While FIEO offers a grassroots engagement approach, CII complements it by working at the ecosystem level. It collaborates with policymakers to develop a business-friendly export environment and ensures that the concerns of small businesses are addressed in trade agreements, foreign policy, and taxation frameworks.
CII runs mentorship programs and incubator-style initiatives in partnership with multilateral agencies and private sector leaders, designed specifically for first-generation MSME exporters. These programs focus on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability—helping exporters align their practices with global buyer expectations.
One notable initiative by CII has been its effort to integrate MSMEs into global value chains. Through joint ventures, supplier development programs, and vendor rating systems, CII enables Indian MSMEs to meet the sourcing requirements of large international corporations.
Financial Inclusion and Trade Facilitation Support
Both FIEO and CII recognize that access to finance is a persistent bottleneck for MSME exporters. They have worked closely with EXIM Bank, SIDBI, and the Department of Commerce to make funding mechanisms more accessible.
FIEO, for instance, advocates for increased limits under the Interest Equalization Scheme, allowing MSMEs to borrow at competitive rates. CII has supported credit guarantee programs and works with banks to assess exporters on operational performance rather than purely on collateral strength.
Further, both organizations help exporters benefit from schemes like the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP), and the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme, making it easier to recover costs and invest in upgrading technology and compliance.
Building Global Market Connections
Participating in global trade expos and virtual summits is crucial for visibility, especially for small exporters. FIEO regularly sponsors MSMEs to attend international fairs under the MAI (Market Access Initiative), giving them exposure without bearing the full financial burden.
CII, meanwhile, has created platforms for Indian MSMEs to directly interact with global procurement heads and trade delegates through curated B2B meetings, webinars, and delegations to trade hubs in Europe, Africa, and ASEAN nations.
Conclusion
For India to realize its ambitious export goals, MSMEs must not only participate but lead in certain sectors like textiles, engineering goods, agro-products, and digital services. The groundwork laid by FIEO and CII provides a robust support structure—from policy influence to grassroots training, from financing access to international branding.
By working in tandem with government and industry stakeholders, these organizations ensure that MSMEs are no longer confined to domestic markets but can confidently compete and grow in the global arena.
