New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- Amid reports that India has faced a barrage of criticism from World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries over its subsidy programmes, incentive schemes, quality control orders, and anti-dumping actions, the country finally has reason to cheer.

India's liberalised authorised economic operator (AEO) programme, aimed at easing customs compliance and improving global trade competitiveness for smaller firms, has been singled out for praise at the WTO for significantly increasing the participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in international trade.

The WTO Secretariat's latest compendium on MSME-related trade facilitation measures highlighted the scheme as a model initiative that makes trusted tra...