Export Import management SMU - Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme

Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme

MAI scheme was launched under the Foreign Trade Policy to promote India’s exports on a sustained basis. Under MAI scheme, financial assistance is provided for export promotion activities on focus country, focus product basis. Financial assistance is available for Departments of Central Government and organisations of Central/State Governments, Export Promotion Councils, registered trade promotion organizations, commodity boards, recognized apex trade bodies and recognized industrial clusters and individual exporters (only for product registration and testing charges for engineering/pharmaceuticals products abroad), Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Industry and Trade Associations (ITAs), Agencies of State Government, Indian Commercial Missions (ICMs) abroad and other national level institutions/eligible entities as may be notified.

A whole range of activities can be funded under MAI scheme. These include, amongst others:

· Market studies/surveys

· Setting up of showroom / warehouse

· Participation in international trade fairs

· Displays in International departmental stores

· Publicity campaigns

· Brand promotion

· Reimbursement of registration charges for pharmaceuticals and expenses for carrying out clinical trials etc., in fulfilment of statutory requirements in the buyer country

· Testing charges for engineering products abroad

· Assistance for contesting Anti Dumping litigations, etc.

Each of these export promotion activities can receive financial assistance from Government ranging from 25% to 100% of total cost depending upon activity and implementing agency.

Under the Scheme, financial assistance may be given to:

· Departments of Central Government and Organisation of Central/ State Governments including Indian Missions abroad

· Export Promotion Councils

· Registered Trade Promotion Organisation

Eligibility

· Commodity Boards

· Apex Trade Bodies recognized under Foreign Trade Policy of Government of India

· Recognised Industrial & Artisan Clusters

· Individual Exporters (only for statutory compliance etc.)

· National Level Institutions (e.g. Indian Institute of Technologies (IITs), Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), National Institute of Designs (NIDs), NIFT, etc. Research Institutions/ Universities/Recognized laboratories, etc.

Table 13.1 Year wise status of MAI allocation/releases

Source – Ministry of Commerce & DGCI & S

As can be seen from the above table, year-wise allocation and expenditure under the MAI schemes have increased significantly.

Table 13.2 Approved India Show (2011-12)

Source – Ministry of Commerce & DGCI & S