Support for Emerging Export Opportunities under Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

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Dated: 07.03.2026

Support for Emerging Export Opportunities under Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

The Government of India has launched a transformative initiative under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) titled Support for Emerging Export Opportunities – NIRYAT PROTSAHAN. This intervention aims to empower Indian exporters, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to access under-served global markets by providing risk-sharing support and enhancing trade finance mechanisms. Below is a detailed overview of the program, its objectives, benefits, and operational framework.

Objective

The primary goal of NIRYAT PROTSAHAN is to:

Enhance global trade connectivity: Facilitate trade in under-served markets by increasing confidence in trade settlements.
Strengthen banking capacity: Enable Indian banks to support constrained cross-border transactions and foster partnerships with local banks abroad.
Boost MSME competitiveness: Provide risk-sharing support to MSMEs involved in international value chains, helping them access trade finance and expand their global footprint.

Scope and Coverage 

The intervention focuses on providing risk-sharing support for eligible trade finance transactions facilitated by banks. Key highlights include:

Exclusively available to MSMEs with a valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) and MSME Udyam Registration Number.
Applicable to exports of goods permitted under the Foreign Trade Policy, excluding items on the negative list.
Targeting under-served markets identified in the intervention, with periodic reviews based on market demand and untapped potential.

Benefits to Exporters 

Access to High-Risk Markets: Indian exporters can now explore opportunities in high-risk or under-served markets, overcoming financing barriers.
Partnerships with Overseas Banks: Exim Bank has established partnerships with over 140 overseas banks across 60 countries, facilitating smoother trade transactions.
Credit Enhancement: The intervention enhances the capacity of commercial banks to support cross-border trade transactions through credit enhancement of trade instruments.
Risk Mitigation Support: Indian banks can expand their trade finance exposure in under-served markets with government-backed risk mitigation.
Support for Local Banks: Local banks in target countries can establish partnerships with Indian commercial banks, fostering international collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for support under NIRYAT PROTSAHAN, MSMEs must meet the following criteria:

Hold a valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) and MSME Udyam Registration Number.
Export goods permitted under the Foreign Trade Policy, excluding items on the negative list.
Engage in trade transactions with under-served markets identified in the intervention.

Supported Trade Finance Instruments 

The intervention supports various non-recourse credit mechanisms, including:

Stand-by Letters of Credit (SBLC)
Risk Participation (RP)
Irrevocable Reimbursement Undertaking (IRU)
Letter of Credit (LC) Confirmation
Letter of Credit Negotiation
Usance Payable at Sight Letter of Credit (UPAS LC)

Implementing Framework

The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) and the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC) are the implementing agencies for this initiative. Key steps in the operational framework include:

MSMEs generate a Unique Identification Number (UIN) by applying on the DGFT portal.
Scheduled commercial banks sign agreements with Exim Bank for eligible trade finance instruments.
Exim Bank provides risk-sharing support based on a comprehensive risk model, with coverage ranging from 10% to 80% of the transaction value.
NCGTC provides guarantee cover to Exim Bank, ensuring risk mitigation for partner banks.

Risk Coverage and Exposure Limits 

The intervention offers risk-sharing support to partner banks, with coverage determined by a comprehensive risk model. The risk coverage ranges from 10% to 80%, depending on the assessed risk profile. Transactions with a score below 60 are not eligible for support.

Exposure Limits:

Country caps: 15% of the Maximum Liability Permissible (MLP).
Exporter-wise exposure cap: 5% of the MLP.
Transaction-wise exposure cap: 1% of the MLP.
Issuing bank-wise exposure cap: 10% of the MLP.

Governance Structure

The initiative is overseen by a Sub-Committee on Trade Finance, which advises on regulatory, procedural, and policy-related bottlenecks. The committee also recommends annual beneficiary caps, risk-sharing levels, and exposure limits. The composition includes representatives from the Ministry of MSME, Department of Commerce, Exim Bank, NCGTC, and other key stakeholders.

Countries Covered

The intervention targets under-served markets across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe & CIS regions. Some of the countries included are:

Africa: Algeria, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, etc.
Asia: Bangladesh, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, etc.
Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, etc.
Europe & CIS: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, etc.

Application Process

MSMEs can apply for support through the DGFT portal by following these steps:

Submit an online application indicating intent to avail risk-sharing support.
Provide details of the firm, export products, target markets, and preferred lending institutions.
Generate a Unique Identification Number (UIN) upon submission.
Approach the preferred lending institution with the UIN to request support.

Exclusions

The intervention excludes:

Goods prohibited for export under Schedule-II of ITC(HS), 2022.
Transactions involving countries under sanctions (e.g., FATF Blacklist, UN sanctions).
Illegal products or activities under host country laws or international conventions.
Wildlife products, radioactive materials, weapons, and other restricted categories.

Conclusion

The Support for Emerging Export Opportunities – NIRYAT PROTSAHAN is a landmark initiative by the Government of India to empower MSMEs and boost exports to under-served markets. By providing risk-sharing support and fostering partnerships between Indian and overseas banks, this intervention aims to unlock new trade opportunities, enhance global connectivity, and strengthen India’s position in international trade.

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Source: DGFT

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