Government Launches ₹4,531-Crore Market Access Support

The Union government has rolled out a new Market Access Support (MAS) intervention with a total outlay of ₹4,531 crore, aimed at strengthening India’s export ecosystem over the next six years. The initiative seeks to deepen India’s footprint in global markets by enabling structured, outcome-oriented engagement between Indian exporters and overseas buyers.

MAS Under the Export Promotion Mission

The MAS scheme forms a key pillar of the ₹25,000-crore, six-year Export Promotion Mission approved earlier by the “Union Cabinet”. Anchored by the Commerce Department, the intervention prioritises micro, small and medium enterprises, first-time exporters, and firms operating in identified priority sectors. Officials stressed that the scheme has an explicit MSME bias to promote diversification of beneficiaries and reduce export concentration.

Focus on Buyer Connect and Market Diversification

According to the “Directorate General of Foreign Trade”, the core objective of MAS is to improve buyer connect and expand India’s visibility in overseas markets. Financial and institutional support will be provided for Buyer-Seller Meets, participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, Mega Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets hosted in India, and trade delegations to priority and emerging markets. A rolling three-to-five-year calendar of key market access events will be prepared in advance to enable better planning and continuity.

Clearance of MAI Arrears and Event Norms

The government will also clear pending arrears of about ₹330 crore under the earlier Market Access Initiative scheme. Under MAS, at least 35 per cent participation of MSMEs has been mandated for supported events, with special emphasis on new geographies and smaller markets. Delegation sizes have been benchmarked at a minimum of 50 participants, with flexibility allowed based on market conditions and strategic relevance.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Market Access Support has an outlay of ₹4,531 crore for six years.
• The scheme is part of the ₹25,000-crore Export Promotion Mission.
• Minimum 35% MSME participation is mandatory in supported events.
• MAI arrears of around ₹330 crore will be cleared.

Digital Processes and Support for Small Exporters

To encourage wider participation, small exporters with export turnover of up to ₹75 lakh in the previous year will receive partial airfare support. Event-level financial ceilings and cost-sharing ratios have been rationalised, with preferential treatment for priority sectors and markets. All processes, from event listing and proposal submission to fund release and monitoring, will be handled through a dedicated digital portal, ensuring transparency, accountability, and ease of access for exporters nationwide.