The Free Trade Agreements (FTA) agreements with European Union (EU) and various other countries will help MSME sector in the country to open access to a large share of developed markets Jitin Prasada
The Free Trade Agreements (FTA) agreements with European Union (EU) and various other countries will help MSME sector in the country to open access to a large share of developed markets- Jitin Prasada
New Delhi : The recent Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with several regions—including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and other major markets will help MSME sector in the country to open access to a large share of developed markets, this is a significant opportunity for Indian manufacturers to step up, meet global demand, and become an integral part of international supply chains.
“The focus of the MSME sector which is the backbone of the Indian economy should be towards strengthening Bharat’s journey towards quality-led growth. And they should shift from scale and low-cost manufacturing to quality-driven production. As at present 65 percent of developed markets are part of the FTA , these nations want best of quality products . Similarly Indians including those living in rural parts with digital access want quality products . Zero duty does not mean these developed countries can dump sub standard products in our country” said Mr Jitin Prasada, Minister of State, Government of India, Commerce and Industry; Electronics and Information Technology while speaking at FICCI FLO National MSME award ceremony
“Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to boost MSME exports, aiming to integrate them into global value chains. FTAs, such as those with the EU, are designed to create fair, inclusive, and market-access opportunities for small businesses. With India’s large and increasingly aspirational population of over 1.4 billion people, the country represents a vast and expanding market for quality products and services. The entrepreneurs should focus on producing globally competitive goods that meet international standards.” Mr Prasada said.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming an essential tool across industries—from healthcare and transportation to manufacturing and services. MSMEs should adopt AI technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and decision-making while freeing businesses from routine operational tasks.” He said .
Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) speaking on the occasion emphasised on fostering women-led development through targeted support, digital empowerment, and skill training.
Dr. Acharya said” NSIC has heavily promoted the Trade Enablement & Marketing (TEAM) initiative, which aims to onboard 5 lakh MSMEs onto the ONDC platform, with a specific target that 50% of these should be women-led enterprises.”
“Across sectors, from startups to space, from manufacturing to technology, women today are not just participants in the economy, they are powerful drivers of growth. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises form the backbone of India’s economic growth. They drive innovation, create employment, and strengthen local economies across the country. Within this ecosystem, women-led MSMEs are emerging as powerful engines of inclusive development. ” Said Ms Poonam Sharma National president, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO)
“FICCI FLO, the apex body of business women in the country, has been committed to strengthening women’s economic participation and leadership in India. As the women’s wing of FICCI, FLO has consistently worked towards empowering women through skill development, entrepreneurship support, policy advocacy, and leadership mentoring. And it is in this spirit, the FLO MSME Assist Cell is designed to strengthen women-led MSMEs by providing them with a comprehensive support ecosystem.” Said Ms Sharma.
“The cell connects women entrepreneurs with industry experts, mentors, and specialists across critical areas such as funding, marketing, expansion strategies, technology adoption, and business skilling.This initiative reflects FLO’s commitment to ensuring that women entrepreneurs are not only able to start businesses, but are also empowered to scale, sustain, and succeed.” Said Ms Sharma.
Eleven Women MSME entrepreneurs were presented the awards . Those present on the occasion included Mr Anurag Sharma, an MP, Ms Ruby Garg, heads FLO MSME initiatives and several past presidents of FLO.
