World Trade Center Mumbai, in association with YES Bank, organised Export Conclave to facilitate interaction between MSMEs and government departments, regulatory agencies and financial institutions as MSMEs contribute 45% to India’s exports. Beginning with YES Bank, WTC Mumbai introduced the first Export Conclave to a large number of exporters to discuss and deliberate latest trends in MSME banking as capital is the most essential input for small and large businesses. The event was organised on February 21, 2025.

MSME exporters face various challenges, some of which are: lack of access to collateral-free credit at affordable interest cost, lack of awareness on government schemes, compliance issues related to export licenses, lack of access to quality raw materials and so on.

Delivering keynote address at the conclave, Ms Roop Rashi, (IA&AS), Textile Commissioner remarked, “Banks should play an important role in meeting the credit needs of textile sector, which supports 5.4 crore jobs and whose market size is targeted to grow from USD 172 billion now to USD 350 billion by 2030. I am confident we can reach this target before 2030; But the sector needs bank funding for product standardisation, capacity building, international branding and exports. Textile value chain from spinning to weaving is a capital intensive sector, which needs bank funding. While banks give priority to big ticket loans and project finance, I hope they will also give equal importance to funding needs of textile units. This will truly promote financial inclusion as 70% of handloom units are operated by women. Out of 100 handmade textiles in the world, 95 comes from India.”

During the event, Ms Priya Pansare, Director, Trade & Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai moderated a panel session with senior officials of DGFT, ECGC and also with the Textile Commissioner.

Mr Praveen Kumar, Joint DGFT, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Mumbai suggested MSMEs to benefit from the digitisation initiatives such as online self-generation of E-BRC, digital applications for certificate of origin, Advance Authorisation, EPCG and export licenses for restricted items.

Ms Arpita Sen, General Manager, ECGC suggested exporters to protect their profits by covering export related risks through insurance and also advised exporters to be aware of the import regulations in foreign countries before shipping goods so that their goods are not detained in customs.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of MoU between WTC Mumbai and Yes Bank to support each other’s MSME clients/members with access to credit and trade facilitation services.

 In his remarks, Dr Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai emphasised that India’s annual goods exports is USD 440 billion and in order to attain USD 1 trillion exports, we need to address key challenges of MSME exporters.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai explained how WTC Mumbai facilitates MSME exports by leveraging 320 WTCs across 90 countries. 

In her remarks, Ms Aakruti Bagwe, Director - Operations, WTC Mumbai emphasised that WTC Mumbai is not just a popular venue for trade shows, as commonly known, but it is a stepping stone for MSMEs and exporters to grow their business globally. 

In Banner photo:  Dr Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai (3rd from right) exchanging MoU with Mr Dhavan Shah, Country Head, SME Banking, YES Bank (2nd from right) at the Export Conclave. Also seen in the photograph are (from left to right): Mr Percy Adajania, Head, Product and Program Management, SME Banking, YES Bank, Ms Aloka Rajan, SME Program Lead & Association Business Leader – MMR & ROMG Yes Bank, Ms Aakruti Bagwe, Director, Operations, WTC Mumbai, Ms Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai, Ms Priya Pansare, Director, Trade & Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai