- Key Highlights
• Objective: AYUSHEXCIL has been appointed as one of the implementing agencies for the “Capacity Building of First-Time Exporters” component under the Ministry’s International Cooperation Scheme.
• Scope: The partnership will focus on training, mentoring, and hand-holding support for MSME units venturing into export markets for the first time.
• Coverage: Workshops, webinars, market-access facilitation, and customized export readiness assessments will be extended to eligible enterprises across all AYUSH sectors (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homeopathy).
- Background
The Ministry of MSME’s International Cooperation Scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indian MSMEs through collaborative projects, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives. Within this scheme, the “Capacity Building of First-Time Exporters” component was launched in 2023 to address the steep learning curve that small-scale producers face when entering foreign markets.
AYUSHEXCIL, established in 2004 under the Commerce Ministry’s aegis, has a proven track record in promoting AYUSH products internationally. Leveraging its network of industry experts, trade bodies, and regulatory consultants, AYUSHEXCIL will now extend its expertise to a broader cohort of MSMEs beyond traditional AYUSH exporters.
- MoU Details
• Signing Authorities:
• Ministry of MSME: Shri Rajiv Kumar, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation)
• AYUSHEXCIL: Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, Director General
• Tenure: The agreement is effective immediately and remains in force for three years, subject to annual reviews.
• Funding & Support: The Ministry will provide financial assistance for training programs and international study tours, while AYUSHEXCIL will mobilize industry experts, develop curricula, and coordinate with export promotion councils abroad.
- Expected Impact
1. Enhanced Export Readiness: Over 1,200 MSME units are expected to undergo export-focused capacity building during the first year.
2. Market Diversification: Participants will receive support to comply with overseas quality standards (ISO, GMP, Halal, EU-Organic, etc.) and navigate regulatory frameworks in key markets such as the EU, North America, and ASEAN.
3. Value Addition: By tapping into AYUSHEXCIL’s domain knowledge, MSMEs can move up the value chain—from raw material suppliers to branded finished‐goods exporters.
Voices from the Partnership
• Shri Rajiv Kumar (JS, Ministry of MSME):
“This collaboration will significantly lower barriers for first-time exporters. AYUSHEXCIL’s expertise in international regulations and market entry strategies will be invaluable for our MSME ecosystem.”
• Dr. Meenakshi Sharma (DG, AYUSHEXCIL):
“We are delighted to extend our services to a wider range of MSMEs. Our goal is to transform potential into performance, helping entrepreneurs realize export orders worth crores of rupees in the coming months.”
Next Steps
• April–June 2025: Roll-out of 10 regional capacity-building workshops in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
• July 2025: Launch of an online portal for first-time exporters, offering e-learning modules, compliance checklists, and direct mentorship pairing.
• October 2025: First cohort of MSMEs to undertake a study tour to Germany and Japan to explore trade fairs and buyer meetings.
Through this strategic MoU, the Ministry of MSME and AYUSHEXCIL aim to unlock new export opportunities for India’s vibrant small-scale entrepreneurs, driving inclusive growth and strengthening the country’s footprint in global AYUSH and allied markets.
