Lok Sabha Question No. 1602 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-09
Subject: Boosting Exports
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Smt. Malvika Devi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1602 ANSWERED ON 09/12/2025

## BOOSTING EXPORTS

## 1602 . SMT. MALVIKA DEVI

Will  the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ¼okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=h½ pleased to state:

- (a) the steps being taken by the industry to boost India's exports such as textiles, agriculture, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals;
- (b) whether the Government has recently identified new global markets for Indian exporters and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  help  the  industry  in  the situation of the recent decline in India's export growth; and
- (d) the  measures  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  support  exporters, especially small exporters.

## ANSWER

## okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT;ea=h ¼Jh ftfru izlkn½

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (d):   The Government has adopted a multi-pronged and integrated strategy to bolster India's exports across all sectors, with a special focus on addressing global market challenges and supporting exporters, including MSMEs and small  exporters. This  strategy  combines  enhanced  infrastructure,  digital  transformation  financial support,  and  targeted  market  initiatives  to  create  a  resilient  and  competitive  export ecosystem.

In response to recent global trade headwinds, the Government is intensifying  efforts through both flagship schemes and sector-specific interventions. Key initiatives are outlined in detail below:

## I. Flagship Export Promotion and Digital Infrastructure Schemes:

- a. Export Promotion Mission (EPM): This flagship initiative, announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 with a total outlay of Rs.25,060 crore for FY 2025-26 to  FY  2030-31,  provides  a  comprehensive,  flexible,  and  digitally-driven framework for export promotion. It aims to strengthen the competitiveness of key sectors like textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
- b. Bharat Trade Net (BTN): Bharat Trade Net (BTN), announced in the Union Budget  2025,  is  a  flagship  digital  public  infrastructure  developed  by  DGFT under  the  Ministry  of  Commerce  &  Industry.  It  aims  to digitize trade documents,  improve  access  to  export  finance,  and  integrate  India's  trade ecosystem  with  global  standards.  Anchored  in  India's  G20  advocacy  and aligned with international frameworks like UNCITRAL's MLETR and MLIT, it aims to provide cost-effective, interoperable, and MSME-friendly trade operations.  The  initiative  enhances  MSME  competitiveness  by  enabling simpler, paperless documentation, reducing compliance burdens, and facilitating faster, secure trade transactions recognized globally.

## II. Financial and Credit Support Mechanisms:

- a. The  Central  Government  has  introduced  the  Credit  Guarantee  Scheme  for Exporters (CGSE) to provide 100% credit guarantee coverage by the National Credit  Guarantee  Trustee  Company  Limited  (NCGTC)  to  Member  Lending Institutions  (MLIs)  for  extending  additional  credit  facilities  up  to  Rs.  20,000 crore  to  eligible  exporters,  including  MSMEs.  It  will  strengthen  liquidity, ensure smooth business operations, and reinforce India's  progress  towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- b. Under  the  International  Cooperation  Scheme  being  implemented  by  the Ministry  of  Micro  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises,  financial  assistance  is provided  on  reimbursement  basis  to  the  eligible  Central/State  Government organizations  and  Industry  Associations  to  facilitate  visits/participation  of MSMEs in international exhibitions/fairs/buyer-seller meets held abroad and for organizing international conferences/seminar/workshops in India with the

- aim  of  technology  upgradation,  modernization,  joint  venture  etc.  Further, reimbursement  is  provided  to  first-time  Micro  &  Small  Exporters  for  costs incurred  on  Registration-cum-Membership  Certification  (RCMC)  with  Export Promotion  Councils  (EPCs),  Export  Insurance  Premium,  and  Testing  & Quality Certification for export.
- c. Export  Credit  Guarantee  Corporation  of  India  (ECGC) has  introduced several measures to support exporters, including:
- Collateral-Free  Cover  under  WT-ECIB:  In  order  to  stimulate  export  credit among MSME exporters, who are not in a position to offer any collateral or third-party  guarantee,  a  scheme  offering  'Collateral-Free  Cover'  has  been introduced  by  ECGC  w.e.f.  July  1,  2025.  The  scheme  aims  to  support collateral-free  export credit  lending by  Banks under its WT-ECIB, for export credit working capital limits up to ₹ 10 crore, without any additional premium. This will enable the banks to offer liberal credit to MSMEs.
- Enhanced  Cover  without  additional  premium  under  WT-ECIB:  In  order  to compensate banks to a larger extent and to bring down the insurance cost and ease of doing business, the Company is offering enhanced cover of 90% to  the  eligible  banks  and  accounts  for  their  export  credit  loans  up  to ₹ 50 crore, as against earlier limit of up to ₹ 20 crore, without any incremental cost, w.e.f. October 1, 2025.
- Enhanced cover for Banks (for MSMEs): ECGC is offering enhanced cover of 90%  to  the  banks  availing  WT-ECIB  covers,  as  against  70%  earlier,  in respect  of  small  exporter  accounts  having  aggregate  export  credit  working capital  limit  up  to ₹ 80  crore,  with  a  condition  that  they  pass  on  this  benefit through  lower  interest  rate  applicable  to  accounts  with  'AA'  and  equivalent rating,  thus  facilitating  availability  of  adequate  credit  at  cost  effective  rates, particularly for MSME exporters.
- Enhanced cover for directly sourced business: ECGC is providing enhanced cover of up to 100% to exporters who take a policy directly from the Company without involving any alternate channels/brokers.
- Simplified procedure for settlement of claims: To provide better service and improve the turnaround time for settlement of claims under Short Term (ST)ECIB,  the  Company  has  simplified  the  procedure  for  settlement  of  ECIB Claims for net principal outstanding up to ₹ 10 crore, irrespective of the limits sanctioned.
- MoU  with  Ministry  of  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises  (MoMSME): ECGC has signed an MoU with the Ministry of MSME for implementing the 'Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters' (CBFTE) component of the

International Cooperation (IC) Schem of  premium  up  to ₹ 10,000  in  a  financial  year  is  allowed  to  the  eligible exporters holding 'Small Exporter's Policy'  and  having  a  valid  Udyam registration under 'Micro' or 'Small' Enterprise category. International Cooperation (IC) Scheme. Under the CBFTE scheme, a refund 10,000  in  a  financial  year  is  allowed  to  the  eligible exporters holding 'Small Exporter's Policy'  and  having  a  valid  Udyam registration under 'Micro' or 'Small' Enterprise category. e. Under the CBFTE scheme, a refund 10,000  in  a  financial  year  is  allowed  to  the  eligible exporters holding 'Small Exporter's Policy'  and  having  a  valid  Udyam

## III. Sector-Specific Initiatives: iatives:

## a. For Textiles:

- The Government is implementing the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies  (RoSCTL)  scheme  for  Apparel/Garments  and  Made enhance competitiveness by adopting the principle of zero The Government is implementing the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies  (RoSCTL)  scheme  for  Apparel/Garments  and  Made-ups  in  order  to enhance competitiveness by adopting the principle of zero-rated exports. The Government is implementing the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and ups  in  order  to rated exports.
- In  addition,  the  Government  provides  financial  support  to  various  Export Promotion  Councils  and  Trade  Bodies  to  organise  and  participate  in  trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer to boost exports. In  addition,  the  Government  provides  financial  support  to  various  Export Promotion  Councils  and  Trade  Bodies  to  organise  and  participate  in  trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, etc., at national and international levels In  addition,  the  Government  provides  financial  support  to  various  Export Promotion  Councils  and  Trade  Bodies  to  organise  and  participate  in  trade seller meets, etc., at national and international levels
- The  other  major  schemes/initiatives  include  PM  Mega  Integrated  Textile Regions  and  Apparel  (PM  MITRA)  Parks  Scheme  to  create  a  modern, integrated, world class Scheme focusing  on  MMF  Fabric,  MMF  Apparel boost  large  scale  manufacturing  and  enhancing  competitiveness;  National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion  and  Market  Development;  SAMARTH Building in Textile  Sector  with  the  objective  providing  demand  driven, placement  oriented,  skilling  program;  Silk  Samagra development  of  sericulture  value  chain;  National  Handloom  Development Program for end to end support for handloom sector. other  major  schemes/initiatives  include  PM  Mega  Integrated  Textile Regions  and  Apparel  (PM  MITRA)  Parks  Scheme  to  create  a  modern, textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive Scheme focusing  on  MMF  Fabric,  MMF  Apparel  and  Technical  Textiles  to boost  large  scale  manufacturing  and  enhancing  competitiveness;  National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion  and  Market  Development;  SAMARTH  -  Scheme  for  Capacity Sector  with  the  objective  providing  demand  driven, placement  oriented,  skilling  program;  Silk  Samagra-2  for  comprehensive development  of  sericulture  value  chain;  National  Handloom  Development Program for end to end support for handloom sector. other  major  schemes/initiatives  include  PM  Mega  Integrated  Textile Regions  and  Apparel  (PM  MITRA)  Parks  Scheme  to  create  a  modern, Incentive (PLI) and  Technical  Textiles  to boost  large  scale  manufacturing  and  enhancing  competitiveness;  National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Scheme  for  Capacity Sector  with  the  objective  providing  demand  driven, 2  for  comprehensive development  of  sericulture  value  chain;  National  Handloom  Development

## b. For Agriculture:

- The Department of assistance to its member exporters across the country to promote exports of scheduled  products  through  its  Financial  Assistance  Scheme.  The  scheme has the following components: Commerce, through APEDA, provides assistance to its member exporters across the country to promote exports of scheduled  products  through  its  Financial  Assistance  Scheme.  The  scheme has the following components: provides financial assistance to its member exporters across the country to promote exports of scheduled  products  through  its  Financial  Assistance  Scheme.  The  scheme
- Development of Export Export Infrastructure
- Quality Development Quality Development
- Market Development Market Development

The details of financial assistance www.apeda.gov.in under the 'Scheme' tab. assistance guidelines are available at APEDA's under the 'Scheme' tab. APEDA's website

- Further,  APEDA  is  implementing implementing  the  National  Programme  for for  Organic

Production (NPOP). The programme involves the accreditation of Certification Bodies, the development of standards for organic production, the promotion of organic farming  and marketing, Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), operators are certified according to  their  scope  of  operation,  such  as  production,  processing,  and  trading. APEDA  is  also  conducting  training  &  Capacity  Building  programmes  and export promotion activities for organic stakeholders across the country. Production (NPOP). The programme involves the accreditation of Certification Bodies, the development of standards for organic production, the promotion of organic farming and  marketing, etc. Under  the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), operators are certified according to  their  scope  of  operation,  such  as  production,  processing,  and  trading. APEDA  is  also  conducting  training  &  Capacity  Building  programmes  and ion activities for organic stakeholders across the country. Production (NPOP). The programme involves the accreditation of Certification Bodies, the development of standards for organic production, the etc. Under  the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), operators are certified according to  their  scope  of  operation,  such  as  production,  processing,  and  trading. APEDA  is  also  conducting  training  &  Capacity  Building  programmes  and ion activities for organic stakeholders across the country.

- To further boost agricultural exports, APEDA has recently launched the new initiative 'BHARATI' (Bharat's Hub for Agritech Incubation  for  Export  Enablement).  It  has  been  designed  to  empower  100 agri-food and agri-tech startups, accelerate their journey, promote innovation and  create  new  export  opportunities  for  young  entrepreneurs. seeks  to  resolve  export  challenges  related  to  product  development,  value addition, quality assurance, perishability, wastage and logistics. To further boost agricultural exports, APEDA has recently launched the new initiative 'BHARATI' (Bharat's Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation  for  Export  Enablement).  It  has  been  designed  to  empower  100 tech startups, accelerate their journey, promote innovation and  create  new  export  opportunities  for  young  entrepreneurs. o  resolve  export  challenges  related  to  product  development,  value addition, quality assurance, perishability, wastage and logistics. To further boost agricultural exports, APEDA has recently launched the new , Resilience, Advancement and Incubation  for  Export  Enablement).  It  has  been  designed  to  empower  100 tech startups, accelerate their journey, promote innovation and  create  new  export  opportunities  for  young  entrepreneurs.  BHARATI o  resolve  export  challenges  related  to  product  development,  value

## c. For Pharmaceuticals:

- Keeping  in  view  India's  vision  of  becoming  'Atmanirbhar',  the  Government has  launched  Production  Linked  Incentives  (PLI)  Schemes  with  a  financial outlay  of  Rs.  1.97  lakh  crore  in  14  key  sectors.  In  the  Pharmaceutical industry, the Government has launched the PLI Scheme to promote domestic manufacturing  of  critical  Key  Starting (DIs)/Active  Pharmaceutical  Ingredients  (APIs)  in  India,  also  known  as  the PLI  Scheme  for  Bulk  Drugs.  The  scheme  aims  to  avoid  disruptions  to  the supply of critical APIs by dependence on a single  source. The  PLI  Scheme  for  Pharmaceuticals  has also been launched to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment and production in the sector and diversifying products into high-value goods in the pharm Keeping  in  view  India's  vision  of  becoming  'Atmanirbhar',  the  Government has  launched  Production  Linked  Incentives  (PLI)  Schemes  with  a  financial outlay  of  Rs.  1.97  lakh  crore  in  14  key  sectors.  In  the  Pharmaceutical industry, the Government has launched the PLI Scheme to promote domestic manufacturing  of  critical  Key  Starting  Materials  (KSMs)/Drug  Intermediates (DIs)/Active  Pharmaceutical  Ingredients  (APIs)  in  India,  also  known  as  the PLI  Scheme  for  Bulk  Drugs.  The  scheme  aims  to  avoid  disruptions  to  the by reducing the risk of supply disruption from dependence on a single  source.  The  PLI Scheme  for Pharmaceuticals  has also been launched to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment and production in the sector and diversifying products value goods in the pharmaceutical industry. Keeping  in  view  India's  vision  of  becoming  'Atmanirbhar',  the  Government has  launched  Production  Linked  Incentives  (PLI)  Schemes  with  a  financial outlay  of  Rs.  1.97  lakh  crore  in  14  key  sectors.  In  the  Pharmaceutical industry, the Government has launched the PLI Scheme to promote domestic Materials  (KSMs)/Drug  Intermediates (DIs)/Active  Pharmaceutical  Ingredients  (APIs)  in  India,  also  known  as  the PLI  Scheme  for  Bulk  Drugs.  The  scheme  aims  to  avoid  disruptions  to  the of supply disruption from excessive dependence on a single source. The PLI Scheme for  Pharmaceuticals  has also been launched to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment and production in the sector and diversifying products

## d. For Engineering:

- Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP for  re-imbursement  of  taxes/  duties/  levies,  which  are  currently  not  being refunded under any other mechanism, at the Central, State and local level, which are incurred in the process of manufacture and distribution of exported products. Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP imbursement  of  taxes/  duties/  levies,  which  are  currently  not  being refunded under any other mechanism, at the Central, State and local level, which are incurred in the process of manufacture and distribution of exported Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) imbursement  of  taxes/  duties/  levies,  which  are  currently  not  being refunded under any other mechanism, at the Central, State and local level, which are incurred in the process of manufacture and distribution of exported
- The  scheme  called  'Trade  Infrastructure  for  Export  Scheme  (TIES)'  was launched with effect from 1.4.2017 to address the export infrastructure gaps in the country. lled  'Trade  Infrastructure  for  Export  Scheme  (TIES)'  was ffect from 1.4.2017 to address the export infrastructure gaps lled  'Trade  Infrastructure  for  Export  Scheme  (TIES)'  was ffect from 1.4.2017 to address the export infrastructure gaps

- A variety of export promotion activities are undertaken through EEPC India, including  the  annual  International  Engineering  Sourcing  Show  in  India  and the  Indian  Engineering  Exhibitions  held  worldwide,  to  promote  engineering exports. A variety of export promotion activities are undertaken through EEPC India, nnual  International  Engineering  Sourcing  Show  in  India  and the  Indian  Engineering  Exhibitions  held  worldwide,  to  promote  engineering A variety of export promotion activities are  undertaken through EEPC India, nnual  International  Engineering  Sourcing  Show  in  India  and the  Indian  Engineering  Exhibitions  held  worldwide,  to  promote  engineering

## IV. Grassroots, Logistics, Logistics, and Industrial Infrastructure:

- a. The Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) is an initiative of the aimed  at  fostering  district services with demonstrable local  value  chains  by  formulating  District  Export  Action  Plans  (DEAPs)  in coordination with State Governments, with a view to addressing critical gaps in  infrastructure,  logistics,  standardisation,  branding,  market  access  and capacity-building. The Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) is an initiative of the Government of India aimed  at  fostering  district-level  export  growth  by  identifying  products  and demonstrable export potential. The initiative seeks to local  value  chains  by  formulating  District  Export  Action  Plans  (DEAPs)  in coordination with State Governments, with a view to addressing critical gaps in  infrastructure,  logistics,  standardisation,  branding,  market  access  and Government of India level  export  growth  by  identifying  products  and to strengthen local  value  chains  by  formulating  District  Export  Action  Plans  (DEAPs)  in coordination with State Governments, with a view to addressing critical gaps in  infrastructure,  logistics,  standardisation,  branding,  market  access  and
- b. Strengthening  infrastructure  through  the  National  Logistics  Policy  and  PM Gati  Shakti  enhances  multimodal  connectivity  and  reduces  logistics  costs, directly benefiting MSME exporters by easing supply chain bottlenecks. Strengthening  infrastructure  through  the  National  Logistics  Policy  and  PM Gati  Shakti  enhances  multimodal  connectivity  and  reduces  logistics  costs, directly benefiting MSME exporters by easing supply chain bottlenecks. Strengthening  infrastructure  through  the  National  Logistics  Policy  and  PM Gati  Shakti  enhances  multimodal  connectivity  and  reduces  logistics  costs, directly benefiting MSME exporters by easing supply chain bottlenecks.
- c. In addition to the above, the  'Ease  of  Doing  Business',  including  the  Business  Reform  Action  Plan (BRAP),  the  B-Ready  assessment,  the  Trade  Connect  ePlatform,  and reducing compliance burdens. above, the Government has taken several initiatives the  'Ease  of  Doing  Business',  including  the  Business  Reform  Action  Plan Ready  assessment,  the  Trade  Connect  ePlatform,  and reducing compliance burdens. initiatives under the  'Ease  of  Doing  Business',  including  the  Business  Reform  Action  Plan Ready  assessment,  the  Trade  Connect  ePlatform,  and

Additionally, the Government is proactively work basket and reduce dependency on traditional markets by identifying and facilitating entry into new and emerging global markets. (FTAs), the Government aims to promote Export Diversification a Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with its  trading  partners.  Government  is  working  with  all  stakeholders  to  enable  our exporters to better utilize the benefits of India's FTAs with major markets such a Japan,  Korea,  UAE  etc.  and  effectively  utilize  the  opportunities  that  have  been created with the recently concluded FTAs such as with the EFTA countries and the UK.  The  Government  is  also  engaged  in  negotiations  for  early  conclusion  of mutually beneficial FTAs with the EU, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Oman etc Additionally, the Government is proactively working to diversify India's export basket and reduce dependency on traditional markets by identifying and facilitating entry into new and emerging global markets. Leveraging Free Trade Agreements the Government aims to promote Export Diversification and has signed 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with its  trading  partners.  Government  is  working  with  all  stakeholders  to  enable  our exporters to better utilize the benefits of India's FTAs with major markets such a Japan,  Korea,  UAE  etc.  and  effectively  utilize  the  opportunities  that  have  been created with the recently concluded FTAs such as with the EFTA countries and the UK.  The  Government  is  also  engaged  in  negotiations  for  early  conclusion  of l FTAs with the EU, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Oman etc ing to diversify India's export basket and reduce dependency on traditional markets by identifying and facilitating Leveraging Free Trade Agreements nd has signed 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with its  trading  partners.  Government  is  working  with  all  stakeholders  to  enable  our exporters to better utilize the benefits of India's FTAs with major markets such as Japan,  Korea,  UAE  etc.  and  effectively  utilize  the  opportunities  that  have  been created with the recently concluded FTAs such as with the EFTA countries and the UK.  The  Government  is  also  engaged  in  negotiations  for  early  conclusion  of l FTAs with the EU, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Oman etc.

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