New Delhi, Dec 7 (NationPress) The government's endorsement of a Rs 45,000 crore ($5 billion) export support initiative has signaled that India is poised to enhance its involvement with rapidly expanding markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, as highlighted in an article from the Vietnam Times.

By simplifying access to credit through the CGSE (Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters), bolstered by guarantees and mechanisms designed to mitigate risks, the government is empowering MSMEs to bravely explore new market avenues.

“This development is especially encouraging for deeper ties with Southeast Asian economies, where Indian MSMEs possess significant potential to broaden their export base. From specialty textiles to engineering parts, processed foods, and affordable fashion, there is a rapidly expanding demand within ASEAN,” the article asserts.

With enhanced financing options and improved support for global compliance, Indian exporters are now better prepared to engage with these markets on a consistent and large scale.

The two primary components of the package — the Rs 25,060 crore ($2.8 billion) Export Promotion Mission (EPM) and the Rs 20,000 crore ($2.2 billion) CGSE — together establish a robust and forward-thinking foundation for India's export growth.

The Export Promotion Mission signifies a structural overhaul in India’s export support infrastructure. Transitioning from scattered and scheme-based incentives, EPM introduces a cohesive, digitized, and results-oriented framework that can quickly adapt to shifting global opportunities.

Its two integrated components — Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha — work in tandem. One facilitates access to affordable trade financing, while the other enhances readiness for market entry, branding, and compliance skills. For Indian exporters, this translates to streamlined processes, increased visibility, and enhanced competitiveness in sophisticated global marketplaces.

This modernization of export support also signifies India’s commitment to becoming a pivotal player within Southeast Asia’s supply chains — a region characterized by rising demand, diversifying consumption patterns, and the emergence of new production hubs, as noted in the article.

A noteworthy aspect of the package is its emphasis on micro, small, and medium exporters, who are often the backbone of India’s labor-intensive sectors — textiles, leather, engineering products, gems and jewelry, and marine goods.

One of the most progressive elements of the new framework is its digital infrastructure. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) will oversee applications, approvals, and disbursements via a unified portal that integrates with existing trade systems, according to the article.

The article underscores that this digital facilitation also boosts India’s appeal as a trading partner for Southeast Asia’s technology-centric economies, which prioritize reliability and speed in supply chain relationships.

Niryat Disha's emphasis on non-financial support represents a significant shift in India’s export philosophy. In today’s global trade, quality, certifications, and branding are as crucial as price competitiveness.

The initiative’s backing for packaging, international branding, participation in trade fairs, capacity building, and export intelligence strengthens India’s position in markets where consumers and distributors value reliability, traceability, and high standards.

This comprehensive strategy aligns well with Southeast Asia’s emerging middle-class economies, where trends towards premiumization are growing, and where Indian products — from handicrafts to electronic components — have the potential for substantial expansion with appropriate branding support, the article concluded.