MSME Scheme - International Cooperation

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in an effort to promote MSMEs in India is operating the MSME International Cooperation Scheme. Under the scheme, financial assistance for travel and marketing expenditures relating to the development of the MSME sector in India is supported by the MSME Department. In this article, we cover the International Cooperation Scheme in detail.

Activities Covered under the Scheme

The MSME International Cooperation scheme covers the following activities:

Deputation of MSME business delegations to other countries for exploring new areas of technology infusion/upgradation, facilitating joint ventures, improving markets for MSMEs products, foreign collaborations, etc.
Participation by Indian MSMEs in international exhibitions, trade fairs and buyer-seller meets in foreign countries as well as in India, in which there is international participation.
Holding international conferences and seminars on topics and themes of interest to MSMEs.

Eligibility for International Cooperation Scheme

The following entities can apply and obtain assistance under the International Cooperation Scheme:

State/Central Government Organisations
Industry/EnterpriseAssociations; and
Registered Societies / Trusts and Organisations associated with the promotion and development of MSMEs
The applicant should be in MSME development for atleast 3 years
The applicant should have audited accounts for the past 3 years
The ideas sought for financial assistance through this scheme should have international importance

Apart from this, a company or participant can avail this scheme only twice in a financial year. Also, the priority for women/SC/ST and for startups. The eligible and approved international conferences by the Government of India for the year 2020 can be accessed below:

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Nature of Assistance under the Scheme

The MSME International Cooperation scheme provides financial assistance of up to 95% of airfare and space rent for entrepreneurs if does not exceeds Rs.1 lakh. Assistance is provided on the basis of size and type of the enterprise. It also provides assistance for common expenses of delegations like freight & insurance, local transport, secretarial/communication services, the printing of common catalogues, etc. Daily allowance of USD 150 will be provided for a maximum of 3 days.

Participation in International Events

Exhibition Space Rent - Maximum of Rs.1.25 lakh per MSME
Entry or Registration Fee - Rs.5000 per MSME
Advertisement charges - Maximum of Rs.5 lakhs per 20 MSME units

Participation within India

A maximum of Rs.4.50 lakh or the actuals (whichever is less) will be paid as financial assistance for holding international summits/conferences/workshops in India by Industry Associations including charges for venue rent, catering, advertisement & publicity, security arrangement, etc. The guidelines published by the Ministry of MSME which includes application form, assistance, can be accessed below:

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Where to Apply

Application for assistance under MSME International Cooperation Scheme can be applied online or mail applications in the prescribed format can be sent to: The Director (International Cooperation) Ministry of MSME, Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi - 110 011

MSMEs Benefits

MSMEs in India enjoy a number of subsidies and schemes aimed at promoting small businesses in India. You can know more about schemes for MSMEs in the following articles:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MSME International Cooperation Scheme in India.

The MSME International Cooperation Scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in India to promote the growth and development of MSMEs. The scheme provides financial assistance for activities related to exploring new technologies, facilitating joint ventures, improving markets for MSME products, and fostering international collaborations.

The scheme covers activities such as deputation of MSME business delegations to other countries, participation of Indian MSMEs in international exhibitions and trade fairs, and holding international conferences and seminars on topics relevant to MSMEs.

State/Central Government Organizations, Industry/Enterprise Associations, registered Societies/Trusts, and organizations associated with the promotion and development of MSMEs are eligible to apply for assistance under this scheme. The applicant should have been active in MSME development for at least 3 years and have audited accounts for the past 3 years.

The scheme provides financial assistance of up to 95% of airfare and space rent for entrepreneurs, with a maximum of Rs.1 lakh. It also covers common expenses of delegations, such as freight, insurance, local transport, and printing of catalogues. Additionally, a daily allowance of USD 150 is provided for a maximum of 3 days.

For MSMEs participating in international events, the scheme provides financial assistance for exhibition space rent (up to Rs.1.25 lakh per MSME), entry or registration fees (up to Rs.5000 per MSME), and advertisement charges (up to Rs.5 lakhs per 20 MSME units).

Applications for assistance under the MSME International Cooperation Scheme can be submitted online or by mail to the Director (International Cooperation), Ministry of MSME, Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi - 110 011, using the prescribed format.

Yes, the scheme gives priority to women, Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, and startups while considering applications for financial assistance.

A company or participant can avail the benefits of this scheme only twice in a financial year.

For holding international summits, conferences, or workshops in India by Industry Associations, the scheme provides a maximum financial assistance of Rs.4.50 lakh or the actual expenses (whichever is less), covering venue rent, catering, advertisement, publicity, and security arrangements.

The guidelines and application form for the MSME International Cooperation Scheme can be accessed from the Ministry of MSME's website or the provided link in the article.