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The government on Wednesday (December 31, 2025) notified the first tranche of guidelines related to market access schemes, under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM). This market access component would be initially allocated ₹4,531 crore over the six years 2025-31, with ₹500 crore being allocated for the current financial year.
The overall EPM has been allocated a budget of ₹25,060 crore over the period 2025-26 to 2030-31. It is jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce, the Ministry of MSME and the Ministry of Finance, in coordination with Indian missions abroad, export promotion councils (EPCs), commodity boards, and other industry associations. The EPM had been announced in Budget 2025 and had received Cabinet approval in November.
“We have substantially achieved the task of detailing out the guidelines, with one coming out today, and very shortly we will be coming out with one or two more in the next few days,” Director General of Foreign Trade Ajay Bhadoo said at a press conference. “In total there are 11 components of the EPM and our target is to be able to come out with guidelines for all 11 by January 31, 2026.”
Financing market access
Under the market access component, exporters, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) would receive financial assistance to take part, organise and travel for trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and reverse buyer-seller meets.
“Under the Market Access Support Intervention, structured financial and institutional support will be provided for activities including Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs), participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, Mega Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets (RBSMs) organised in India, and trade delegations to priority and emerging export markets,” the Ministry of Commerce said in a release.
According to Mr. Bhadoo, exporters organising BSMs would receive ₹5 crore per event as assistance, and ₹10 crore per event for RBSMs. Trade delegations would receive ₹5 crore.
Caps on assistance
However, the assistance also comes with some caps to ensure that a few players don’t corner the bulk of the assistance, Mr. Bhadoo said.
So, financial assistance will be available for up to two delegates per firm, with a minimum delegation size of 50 participants with at least 35% mandatory participation of MSMEs.
“A firm can receive assistance to participate in up to three BSMs in a financial year, and MSMEs would be eligible for four BSMs,” Mr. Bhadoo said. “This is to ensure that there is diversification in who gets the assistance and it doesn’t go to just a few players.”
The scheme also includes reimbursement support for air fare for eligible Indian delegates to travel for trade fairs and BSMs abroad, with suitable limits.
Published – December 31, 2025 03:54 pm IST
