The Government of India has launched the Market Access Support (MAS) component under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – Niryat Disha, with immediate effect, to strengthen India’s access to global markets and enhance export competitiveness.
The initiative has been notified vide Trade Notice No. 11/2025-26 dated 31st December 2025, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The Market Access Support intervention aims to provide structured financial and institutional support for export promotion activities such as Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs), Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets (RBSMs), trade fairs, exhibitions, trade delegations, and other market access initiatives across goods and services sectors.
Key Objectives
The MAS initiative seeks to:
- Enhance global reach, visibility, and competitiveness of Indian exporters, with a special focus on MSMEs;
- Facilitate international business-to-business engagements and buyer interactions;
- Strengthen India’s presence in emerging and priority markets;
- Support integration of Indian enterprises into global value chains.
Pilot Implementation through Trade Connect Platform
The Market Access Support component is being operationalised on a pilot basis to enable early implementation and stakeholder participation. All activities under MAS will be implemented through the Trade Connect e-Platform (https://www.trade.gov.in) to ensure transparency, efficiency, and auditability.
Eligible Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards, industry associations, and other notified organising agencies may submit proposals online in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
Eligible Activities and Coverage
Financial assistance under MAS will be extended for:
- Participation in BSMs and RBSMs (physical, virtual, or hybrid);
- Organisation of trade fairs, exhibitions, and trade delegations in India and abroad;
- Market access initiatives aimed at export diversification and buyer outreach.
Priority consideration will be given to sectors such as agriculture and food products, handicrafts, textiles, leather, telecom, defence, emerging technologies, tourism, healthcare, logistics, financial services, education, and other identified services sectors.
Institutional Mechanism
A Sub-Committee on Market Access has been constituted under the Export Promotion Mission framework to evaluate proposals, monitor implementation, and assess outcomes. Indian Missions Abroad will play an active role in buyer identification, due diligence, and promotion of Brand India.
Transparency and Outcome Monitoring
All organising agencies will be required to submit post-event outcome reports, audited accounts, and performance metrics through the online system. A digital performance dashboard will be maintained to ensure transparency and public accountability.
Stakeholder Consultation
The draft guidelines for Market Access Support have been placed in the public domain for stakeholder consultation. Feedback and suggestions from stakeholders will be examined during the pilot phase, and the guidelines will be suitably refined and formalised thereafter.
The initiative is expected to significantly enhance India’s export outreach, promote MSME participation in international trade, and support the Government’s vision of expanding India’s global trade footprint.
The Trade Notice can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MAI-TN-Signed-copy.pdf
