Mumbai, Aug. 26 -- The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME Ministry) held a national seminar on digital commerce and export readiness at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). The event was designed to equip micro, small and medium enterprises with tools and strategies to expand into digital markets and international trade. Participants included policymakers, industry representatives, incubators, startups and academics, as well as export promotion organisations. Sessions combined policy briefings and practical guidance on market access.
Topics ranged from digital platforms and online marketplaces to payment systems, cybersecurity and logistics, alongside compliance with quality and standards for export. Discussions addressed export documentation, tariff and non tariff requirements, and pathways for small enterprises to access international buyers through e commerce channels. Capacity building emphasised adoption of data analytics, digital marketing and user centric design to improve competitiveness. Workshops featured demonstrations and case studies to illustrate operational steps.
The seminar highlighted measures to facilitate access to finance, export incentives, training and quality certification for micro, small and medium enterprises. Collaboration between government agencies, industry partners and academic institutions was presented as essential to pilot solutions and scale up successful models. IIT Madras provided technical expertise and laboratory facilities to support proof of concept activity and prototype testing. Private sector participants outlined logistical and platform centred solutions to connect producers with buyers.
Organisers said the seminar produced a roadmap for follow up workshops, sector specific interventions and establishment of contact points to support exporters. Plans include mentorship, pilot projects and monitoring mechanisms to translate discussions into measurable export outcomes for smaller firms. The outcomes will inform policymaking and programme design aimed at improving the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises in global digital trade. Continued engagement was described as key to sustaining momentum and delivering results.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.