The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has abundant schemes, including those that facilitate showcasing products in foreign markets, to boost entrepreneurship, said MSME Development Institute Director Arvind Patwari.
Addressing a gathering of entrepreneurs on Tuesday at the two-day national workshop on export marketing, he said the Marketing Assistance Scheme allows entrepreneurs to showcase their products at international trade fairs.
He underscored that the scheme gives a boost to women and those belonging to the SC and ST communities. The scheme pays for airfare and vendor stalls at the fairs, he added.
“Up to ₹1.25 lakh is paid for airfare and about ₹1 lakh for the stall. Hundred % subsidy is given for women,” he said. Concessions are provided to those who wish to attend such fairs but fail to find their products listed. A group of six such entrepreneurs can apply to the section concerned of the MSME so as to make the trip.
Given the stiff competition with Chinese products flooding the Indian market, Mr. Patwari said the entrepreneurs should be well-versed in laws on intellectual property rights. “Check whether your product can be patented or not,” he said, adding that there were government affiliates which would assist the entrepreneur in the process.
As part of the workshop, Assistant Commissioner, Customs and Excise, N. Haritha, familiarised participants with the import and export laws.
