MSMEs urged to tap global markets

Vijayawada: NTR district Collector Dr G Lakshmisha said Andhra Pradesh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) should expand beyond domestic markets and develop the capability to compete globally.

AP Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet-2026 was inaugurated at Novotel Hotel here on Monday as part of Andhra Pradesh MSME Export Development Programme (AP MXDP). The two-day event is being organised by Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation in association with India SME Forum under RAMP programme. More than 200 MSMEs and 34 international buyers from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe are participating in the meet. Dr Lakshmisha and MSME Development Corporation CEO Vishwa Manoharan, along with international buyers and MSME representatives, attended the inaugural programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Lakshmisha said the State government was taking measures to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote ‘One Family–One Entrepreneur’ policy, with the objective of transforming job seekers into job creators.

He said Andhra Pradesh was making significant progress in innovation, investment and development. The meet would provide State MSMEs with an opportunity to interact directly with international buyers, explore new markets and understand global requirements. He urged MSMEs to improve quality and standards of their products in line with international market requirements. The meet aims to facilitate at least 100 export agreements and orders and create export business opportunities worth around Rs 100 crore, he said.

MSME Development Corporation CEO Vishwa Manoharan said the initiative was aimed at bringing international buyers to Andhra Pradesh and opening up new markets for State MSMEs. Discussions between buyers and entrepreneurs were expected to translate into business agreements, export orders and long-term international partnerships.

India SME Forum president Vinod Kumar said MSMEs needed to evolve from manufacturers into globally competitive suppliers. Direct interactions with international buyers would help them secure immediate orders, repeat business and long-term partnerships.

Companies from 11 priority sectors, including agriculture and food products, farm machinery, textiles and garments, electronics and electricals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare and wellness, solar equipment, chemicals, automobiles and auto components, and engineering products, are participating.

AP MSME Development Corporation directors, NTR District Industries Officer M Madhu, international buyers, MSME representatives, entrepreneurs and officials attended the event.

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The Hans India