Why in news: The Government of India has launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to enhance international market access for Indian exporters, with special focus on MSMEs and first-time exporters.
What is MAS Intervention?
- MAS is a government-backed programme providing financial and institutional support to Indian exporters.
- It enables exporters to participate in global trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, mega reverse BSMs, exhibitions, and trade delegations.
- It is designed to promote export diversification, strengthen global visibility, and facilitate sustainable engagement with international markets.
Implementation Framework
Initiative under: NIRYAT DISHA sub-scheme, part of the Export Promotion Mission.
Implementing Agencies:
oDepartment of Commerce
oMinistry of MSME
oMinistry of Finance
Objectives
1Strengthen global market access for Indian exporters.
2Support MSMEs, first-time exporters, and priority sectors.
3Facilitate export diversification into emerging markets.
4Enable predictable, outcome-driven export promotion.
Key Features
1Market Access Activities: Financial support for BSMs, international trade fairs, exhibitions, and delegations.
2Advance Planning: 3–5 year rolling calendar of approved market access events for continuity and predictability.
3MSME Focus: Mandatory 35% MSME participation, prioritising small and first-time exporters.
4Financial Rationalisation: Event-wise cost ceilings, partial airfare support for exporters with turnover up to ₹75 lakh.
5Digital Governance: End-to-end online processes via trade.gov.in (approvals, fund release, monitoring, feedback).
6Outcome Tracking: Mandatory reporting on buyer quality, leads, and market relevance to improve future interventions.
7Technology Push: Upcoming support for Proof-of-Concepts (PoC) and product demonstrations in tech-intensive and sunrise sectors.
Significance
1Facilitates MSMEs’ integration into global supply chains.
2Promotes export diversification and resilience, reducing dependence on traditional markets.
3Encourages first-time exporters to explore international opportunities with reduced risk.
4Strengthens India’s global trade competitiveness and aligns with Make in India / Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
