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24th June 2024 (12 Topics)

India Planning Global Trade Promotion Body for MSMEs

Context

The Indian government is considering the establishment of a global trade promotion body aimed at boosting exports from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Key-Highlights of the Proposal

  • Proposal Title: Global Trade Promotion Organization (GTPO)
  • Objective: To enhance MSME exports and address India’s rising trade deficit.
  • Inspiration: Modeled after the Japan External Trade Organization and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.
  • Structure: The GTPO will have branch offices in major global economies.
  • Functionality: It will assist MSMEs with registration, licensing, and certification for exports, and facilitate business opportunities in collaboration with Indian consulates abroad.

Reasons Behind the Initiative

  • Trade Deficit: India's increasing trade deficit necessitates a strategic approach to boost exports, particularly from the MSME sector.
  • Lack of Global Presence: Existing trade promotion bodies lack a robust international presence, which limits their effectiveness in promoting MSME exports.
  • Economic Muscle: MSMEs often lack the resources to market their products internationally, and a dedicated trade promotion body can bridge this gap.

Expected Benefits for MSMEs

  • One-Stop Solution: The GTPO will provide comprehensive support to MSMEs, from export documentation to market access.
  • Increased Exports: By facilitating participation in global exhibitions, trade shows, and buyer-seller meets, the GTPO aims to increase MSME exports significantly.
  • Economic Impact: Enhanced exports will contribute to reducing the trade deficit and boosting India's GDP, given that MSMEs contribute about 45% to the country’s total exports.
Challenges and Considerations
  • Coordination: Effective coordination between the GTPO and various government ministries is crucial for the success of the initiative.
  • Global Competition: Indian MSMEs will need to compete with well-established global players, necessitating high-quality products and competitive pricing.
  • Sustainability: The GTPO must ensure sustainable growth for MSMEs without compromising on quality and ethical standards.
Broader Implications
  • Employment: Enhanced MSME exports can lead to increased employment opportunities, supporting over 110 million people currently employed by the sector.
  • Sectoral Growth: Specific sectors like handicrafts, textiles, ayurveda, leather goods, and imitation jewelry, which have significant global markets, can see substantial growth.
  • Economic Diversification: Diversifying export markets will reduce reliance on a few countries and spread economic risk.
Required Measures for Effective Implementation
  • Policy Support: The government must provide continuous policy support, including financial incentives and simplified regulatory processes.
  • Capacity Building: Training and capacity-building programs for MSMEs will be essential to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the GTPO’s performance will ensure that it meets its objectives and adapts to changing market conditions.
Fact Box: Schemes for MSMEs
  • The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises implements various schemes for the growth and development of MSME sector and training and market assistance to MSMEs. The schemes/programmes inter alia include
  • Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
  • Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)
  • Micro and Small Enterprises-Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP)
  • Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP)
  • Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme (PMS)
  • National SC/ST Hub (NSSH)
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