The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, has taken a fresh step to boost MSME Digital Commerce. The MSME Development & Facilitation Office, Chennai, organised a National Seminar titled “From Local to Global: Enabling Export-Ready MSMEs through Digital Commerce” at IIT Madras on 18th August. The Entrepreneurship Cell of IIT Madras collaborated on the event.
The seminar brought together MSMEs, entrepreneurs, students, policymakers, financial institutions, export ecosystem stakeholders and digital commerce experts. Together, they explored practical pathways to help MSMEs access national and international markets.
Leaders Push for Stronger MSME Digital Commerce Ecosystem
Shri Praveen Yadav, Additional Chief Secretary, MSME Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, delivered the special inaugural address. He noted that digital commerce is transforming MSMEs’ access to global markets by removing geographical barriers. He called for stronger Centre-State convergence to build an ecosystem that accelerates MSME competitiveness worldwide.
Prof Manu Santhanam, Dean, IC&SR, IIT Madras, also delivered a special address. He highlighted the critical role of innovation and academia-industry collaboration in helping MSMEs develop new products, adopt new technologies and enhance competitiveness.
Shri Hansraj Verma, Director General, Council of State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation of India, spoke next. He stressed that quality remains fundamental to strengthening competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. He also underlined the importance of digitisation in helping MSMEs expand their reach.
Shri Dhayalan, Director & Head, MSME DFO Chennai, delivered the keynote address and felicitated the distinguished guests. Smt. Reshma Rajeevan, Deputy Director, MSME DFO Chennai, delivered the welcome remarks. She set the context for the seminar and underlined the need to support MSMEs in their journey from domestic markets to global opportunities.
Experts Outline Practical Roadmap for Export Readiness
The seminar addressed the changing landscape of international trade. It also examined the growing role of technology, innovation and market linkages in helping MSMEs reach customers beyond geographical boundaries.
The technical sessions featured experts from DGFT, EXIM Bank, ECGC and IIT Madras, along with export and e-commerce consultants. These experts shared practical insights on export procedures, trade finance and export risk mitigation. They also covered market identification, international payments, compliance and digital onboarding. Additionally, they explored how MSMEs can leverage e-commerce platforms for global market access.
PMS Scheme Strengthens MSME Digital Commerce Capacity
These discussions align closely with the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen MSME market access. The Procurement & Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme of the Ministry of MSME includes National Workshops and Seminars as a key component under its capacity-building interventions. This component aims to raise awareness among MSMEs on market access, packaging, import-export procedures and e-commerce platforms.
The Chennai seminar formed part of this initiative. It gave MSMEs direct access to experts and practical knowledge on MSME digital commerce and export readiness.
The seminar also gave students and aspiring entrepreneurs a valuable platform. They gained insight into emerging opportunities in digital commerce, entrepreneurship and international markets.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks. Organisers acknowledged the contributions of distinguished guests, speakers, experts, panellists, participating MSMEs, students, partner institutions and the organising team.
This initiative reflects the Ministry of MSME’s continuing commitment to strengthening market access, digital adoption, export preparedness and handholding support. It reinforces the vision of taking Indian enterprises “From Local to Global.”
