International Cooperation Scheme- Market Development Assistance

International Cooperation Scheme- Market Development Assistance is a central government scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises that helps Indian MSMEs reach global markets. It supports business growth by paying for participation in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets, and gives eligible enterprises money help along with useful market information to raise their export potential. The scheme is open in 2026-27 and applications are invited regularly for approved international events.

International Cooperation Scheme- Market Development Assistance - Introduction

International Cooperation Scheme- Market Development Assistance helps Indian MSMEs build the ability they need to do well in the export market. By helping with participation in international exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences, and buyer-seller meets abroad, this scheme gives businesses the exposure and market information required to succeed globally.

This scheme also pays back many costs linked to exporting goods and services. It keeps businesses updated on new technology, changing market demand, and fresh global opportunities. International Cooperation Scheme- Market Development Assistance works as a complete tool to strengthen the position of an emerging exporter.

The scheme covers several key sub-components:

• Market Development Assistance of MSMEs (MDA) for both physical and virtual events.
• Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters (CBFTE) to train new exporters.
• Framework for International Market Intelligence Dissemination (IMID) for market data.

Currently the MDA and CBFTE parts are active, while the IMID part is being rolled out. The scheme is run by the Ministry of MSME along with the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), which handles participation in approved international exhibitions.

Key Information

Benefits

Through this scheme, eligible organisations get money help on a reimbursement basis to cover running costs of taking part in international events. These costs usually include:

• Airfare for travel to the event location.
• Space rent and stall charges for exhibitions.
• Freight charges for moving goods.
• Advertisement and publicity costs to promote the brand.
• Entry and registration fees for events.
• Expenses of organising international conferences or workshops.

The scheme also covers both physical and virtual participation. NSIC lists approved international exhibitions for which MSMEs can apply, such as the Profood, Propack and Agbiz 2026 event in Colombo, Sri Lanka held in August 2026.

Eligibility

Eligible Organisations:

Organisations can apply if they represent:

• The Ministry of MSME and its associated organisations.
• State or Central Government Departments.
• Registered Industry or Enterprise Associations, Societies or Trusts.

Essential Conditions:

An organisation should be registered under the relevant laws, such as the Companies Act or Societies Act, with a focus on MSME development. It should keep regular audited accounts for the past 3 years. The events attended must be in the approved list of the Ministry of MSME for the current financial year. Money help is generally limited to 3 events per year, with exceptions allowed by the Screening Committee. The selection process for participants should be fair and clear. Priority is given to SC/ST, women entrepreneurs, and North East Region participants. An individual MSME unit should not take part in more than 2 events in a year under this scheme.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Go to the official International Cooperation Scheme portal of the Ministry of MSME and open the application page for participation in international exhibitions and trade fairs.

STEP 2 - If you are a first-time user, select the New User Register option to create your profile. Existing users can log in directly with their credentials.

STEP 3 - Once logged in, fill out the application form with your budget estimates and project details through your personal dashboard.

STEP 4 - Submit the required documents as requested by the portal before the last date.

For 2026, applications were invited for participation in international exhibitions and trade fairs held between 1 June 2026 and 30 September 2026, with the last date of 5 May 2026. New application windows open regularly for upcoming approved events, so check the official portal and NSIC page for the latest list.

Special Note for Coir Board or KVIC: These organisations should bring units together and submit consolidated proposals on the portal to get approval from the Screening Committee.

Documents

Keep these documents ready when submitting an application:

• Detailed budget estimate for the proposed event.
• Copy of the organisation's registration certificate.
• Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• Audited balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and income accounts for the last 3 years.

For final settlement of claims, an outcome report, a Use Certificate, and a CA-certified audit statement are required. A signed certificate confirming that no other government ministry has funded the same event, Udyam registration certificates for all participating MSME units, and original invoices, receipts for stall or freight charges, and boarding passes for physical travel are also needed.

References

Download Amended International Cooperation Scheme Guidelines

Download Revised Guidelines for International Exhibitions

View NSIC International Cooperation Activities

MSME Schemes and Services Overview

FAQ's

What is Market Development Assistance of MSMEs (MDA)?

This part of the International Cooperation Scheme helps MSMEs gain international exposure by giving money support for taking part in global events and export-related activities in both physical and virtual mode.

Which ministry launched this scheme?

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) launched this scheme to support the global growth of Indian businesses, and NSIC handles participation in approved exhibitions.

What specific expenses are reimbursed under this scheme?

The scheme pays back costs related to airfare, venue stall rentals, freight, advertising, and registration fees for exhibitions and trade fairs.

Who is eligible to apply for this funding?

Eligible applicants include registered industry associations, state or central government organisations, and institutions working toward the growth of the MSME sector.

How does the reimbursement process work?

For organisations without Export Promotion Council (EPC) status, the grant is processed as a reimbursement once the event is completed and all required documents are submitted online.