Nirmala Sitharaman Lauds EXIM Bank’s Trade Assistance Programme at Trade Conclave 2025: Sanctions SME Financing u/ Ubharte Sitaare
The Finance Minister also virtually inaugurated EXIM Bank’s new branch offices in Lucknow, Indore and São Paulo, Brazil.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lauded EXIM Bank’s pioneering Trade Assistance Programme (TAP) as a critical enabler for Indian exporters to penetrate high-risk markets during the Trade Conclave 2025 hosted by the Export–Import Bank of India (EXIM) on June 24 in New Delhi.
Emphasising TAP’s transformative impact since its launch in 2022, the Union Finance Minister highlighted that EXIM Bank has forged partnerships with over 100 overseas banks, facilitating more than 1,100 export transactions spanning 51 countries - a nod to India’s growing export resilience despite global uncertainties.
Framing TAP as India’s first-of-its-kind trade facilitation initiative designed to deliver tailored credit solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) under the Ubharte Sitaare Programme, the Minister noted complementary reforms aimed at bolstering the creditworthiness and global competitiveness of Indian firms.
Want a deeper insight into the Income Tax Bill, 2025? Click here
Some of the reforms alluded to included the revision in MSME definition, streamlined Udyam registration, revamped Credit Guarantee Schemes and the introduction of Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS). Sitharaman further underscored investments in transport and logistics infrastructure, which have steadily improved supply-chain efficiency and enabled exporters to meet international standards.
During the conclave, the Finance Minister also virtually inaugurated EXIM Bank’s new branch offices in Lucknow, Indore and São Paulo, Brazil, intended to offer on-ground support in key domestic and overseas markets.
Ubharte Sitaare Programme
In a highlight of the event, she personally presented sanction letters to select SMEs under the Ubharte Sitaare Programme, paving the way for credit lines that will empower the select MSMEs to scale operations, move up the value chain and pursue complex project exports.
EXIM Bank also signed a technical-assistance agreement with IIT Kanpur to nurture high-potential startups focused on export-oriented innovation.
How to Audit Public Charitable Trusts under the Income Tax Act Click Here
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary and M. Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, joined Sitharaman in praising TAP’s role in expanding inclusive trade finance.
The EXIM Bank Trade conclave brought together over 200 participants from industry, banking and export-promotion councils, underlining the collaborative momentum behind India’s export strategy.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscanpremium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
