EconomicsSource: Press Information Bureau
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Launches Export Promotion Mission to Boost MSME Exports and Strengthen Global Competitiveness
Saturday, 21 February 2026
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The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, has launched the Export Promotion Mission to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs. This initiative is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Paper 3, as it addresses economic growth and international trade. Last Updated: 21-02-2026
Key Facts About Export Promotion Mission
- The mission aims to consolidate fragmented export support mechanisms into a single framework.
- It spans six years with a total outlay of Rs 25,060 crore covering FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31.
- Anchored by the Department of Commerce with the DGFT as the nodal agency.
- Includes two streams: Niryat Protsahan (financial enablers) and Niryat Disha (non-financial enablers).
- Targets tariff-hit sectors like textiles, leather, and marine products.
- Focuses on interior and low-export districts to broaden India's export base.
- Leverages India's network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for market access.
India's Export Growth and Global Competitiveness
The Export Promotion Mission is pivotal in aligning with India's strategic goals of boosting economic growth and enhancing global trade competitiveness. By leveraging FTAs, which provide access to nearly 70% of global GDP, the mission ensures that MSMEs can capitalize on preferential market access. This aligns with India's aim to strengthen its position in global trade rankings and foster inclusive economic development.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Economic Development - International Trade, MSME sector growth.
- Prelims: Questions on the structure and objectives of the Export Promotion Mission.
- Mains: Analytical themes on enhancing MSME exports and leveraging FTAs.
- Relevant for essays on economic reforms and trade policies.
FAQ Section
- What is the Export Promotion Mission? The Export Promotion Mission is a centrally sponsored initiative to consolidate export support schemes into a single, digitally monitored framework to boost MSME competitiveness.
- Why is the Export Promotion Mission important? It addresses key challenges like credit, logistics, and compliance barriers, enabling MSMEs to utilize preferential market access from FTAs effectively.
- What are the key features of the Export Promotion Mission? It operates through Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha, focusing on financial and non-financial enablers, respectively, with a significant budget outlay for targeted sectoral and regional support.
Detailed Coverage
- Launch of Export Promotion Mission by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal.
- Aims to boost MSME exports and enhance global competitiveness.
- Total outlay of Rs 25,060 crore over six years (FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31).
- Introduces seven new interventions under the mission.
- Niryat Protsahan offers financial support including export factoring.
- Direct E-Commerce Credit Facility supports exporters with up to Rs 50 lakh.
- Niryat Disha focuses on non-financial enablers like compliance and logistics.
- Support for quality compliance through TRACE initiative.
- Logistics assistance through FLOW and LIFT programs.
- Strengthens exporter capacity-building via INSIGHT.
- Targets tariff-hit sectors like textiles, leather, and engineering goods.
- Provides support to low-export districts to broaden India's export base.
- Facilitates access to 70% of global GDP through Free Trade Agreements.
- Addresses credit, logistics, and compliance barriers for MSMEs.
- Consolidates fragmented export support into a digitally monitored framework.
- Encourages inclusive participation in global trade.
Economics