FM Nirmala Sitharaman Highlights Key Policy Measures for Export-Led Growth at EXIM Bank’s Trade Conclave
FM Nirmala Sitharaman outlines bold steps to boost export-led growth at EXIM Bank’s Trade Conclave, highlighting MSME support, trade finance reforms, and global market expansion.
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman spoke at the EXIM Bank Trade Conclave 2025, held today in New Delhi, highlighting the Indian government’s strong focus on export-led growth. She said that despite global challenges, India’s export performance remains strong.
The event, organised by the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), aimed to bring together government officials, exporters, financial institutions, and industry experts to discuss ways to grow India's exports and support economic development under the Viksit Bharat (Developed India) vision.
One of the major announcements was about the success of EXIM Bank’s Trade Assistance Programme (TAP). Launched in 2022, TAP helps Indian exporters do business in high-risk global markets by providing financial support. So far, TAP has supported over 1,100 export deals in 51 countries, by working with over 100 foreign banks.
Step by Step Guide of Preparing Company Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account Click Here
Helping Small Businesses and Local Exports
The Finance Minister said that MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) are a key part of India’s export strategy. The government is helping them with:
- A new definition for MSMEs
- Easier registration through the Udyam platform
- Improved loan guarantee schemes
- Support through EXIM Bank’s Ubharte Sitaare Programme, which helps promising small businesses grow internationally
She personally handed out sanction letters to selected SMEs supported by the programme.
The Minister also spoke about the Districts as Export Hubs initiative, which helps businesses export directly from their home districts instead of relying only on Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Building Better Infrastructure and Expanding Globally
To make exports faster and more competitive, the government is investing in better roads, ports, and logistics systems. Smt. Sitharaman also talked about how EXIM Bank’s unit in GIFT City (Exim Finserve) is making it easier for businesses to get export-related loans.
The Finance Minister also inaugurated new EXIM Bank offices in Lucknow, Indore, and São Paulo, Brazil, through a video link. These offices will help Indian businesses explore new global markets and grow their exports.
New Trade Deals and Research Reports
Smt. Sitharaman said India is close to finalising free trade agreements (FTAs) with the European Union and the USA, which will open more opportunities for Indian exporters.
She also praised the success of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has already helped boost exports worth Rs. 5.3 lakh crore.
Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, spoke about how the government is helping MSMEs by improving access to credit. Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary in the Finance Ministry, said India’s financial system is strong and ready to support long-term growth.
New Research and Innovation Support
EXIM Bank signed an agreement with IIT Kanpur to support startups with high export potential. The bank also released three research reports:
- India’s Need to Secure Critical Minerals for Energy Transition
- India’s Defence Equipment Industry: Exploring New Frontiers
- Textile & Allied Products Trade under ASEAN-India Agreement
3000 Illustrations, Case Studies & Examples for Ind-AS & IFRS, Click Here
These reports offer insights and ideas for boosting exports in important sectors. The Conclave was attended by over 200 people, including industry leaders, bankers, exporters, academics, and policymakers, both in person and online.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
