Centre Unveils Rs 4,531 Crore Market Access Support Scheme

The Government of India has rolled out the Market Access Support scheme with an allocation of Rs 4,531 crore, designed to strengthen India’s export competitiveness. Announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the scheme will provide financial assistance to exporters for showcasing products and services in international markets.  

MAS is the first operational component of the larger Rs 25,060 crore export promotion mission. Covering the period from 2025 to 2031, the scheme will prioritize sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, handlooms, leather, sports goods, telecom, defence, tourism, medical services, logistics, and environment-related industries. By underwriting participation in global trade platforms, the government aims to expand India’s market reach and mitigate the impact of external pressures, including tariffs and compliance costs.  

Key Highlights  

• Rs 4,531 crore allocated under MAS for global market access activities  
• Part of Rs 25,060 crore export promotion mission, with phased rollout of other components  
• Coverage period from 2025 to 2031, ensuring long-term support for exporters  
• Priority sectors include agriculture, handicrafts, handlooms, leather, sports goods, telecom, defence, and services  
• Supports participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets worldwide  
• Designed to counter global trade challenges and enhance India’s export visibility  

The scheme is expected to particularly benefit MSMEs and niche sectors, enabling them to build international demand pipelines and diversify markets. Analysts note that disciplined implementation and sector-specific outreach will be critical to translating funded participation into sustained export growth.  

Sources: The Times of India, News18, Deccan Chronicle