•  Participation in the International Exhibitions/ Fairs.
•  Training Programmes on Packaging for Exports
•  Marketing Development assistance Scheme for MSME exporters (MSME-MDA)
•  National Award for Quality Products.

Office of the Development Commissioner (Small Scale Industries) is participating in some of the selected International Exhibitions/ Fairs since 1985. It is purely promotional scheme to give exposure to the products of small scale units which otherwise are not in a position to participate in the exhibitions/ fairs at their own cost. Under the scheme, exhibits of the selected export-worthy units are displayed in the exhibition that provides an opportunity to MSME units in demonstrating their capabilities before the international community. On an average, this Office has been participating in 8-10 number of International Exhibitions/ Fairs abroad every year and 200 MSME units have been benefited. For confirm participation, the unit has to send 40% of space hiring charges of their booked space (min. 6 sq.mtr.) through MSME-DIs by a DD favouring PAO (MSME), New Delhi at least one month advance of the commencement of the event. The participating units will also carry/ manage their exhibits (to and fro) including custom clearance etc. If any body wants more space, they can book in multiple of 1x3 sq.mtr. on pro-rata base and would be required to pay on pro-rata basis.

India faces formidable hurdle in meeting and matching the packaging requirements of her exportable products in the markets abroad. The main objective of scheme is to generate much needed consciousness in the industry about the packaging problems of MSME exporters and to educate the entrepreneurs about the latest packaging techniques and designs of the packaging. These programmes on Packaging for Exports are conducted since 1979 by all the field institutes in collaboration with Indian Institute of Packaging and GS1 India (formerely EAN India) ( A Bar Code solution provider ). The programme is of One, Two & Three days duration and 20 to 35 existing and potential entrepreneurs have been participating in each of the programmes. As per instruction of IF Wing, only 50-60 percent (20 percent in NE region and J&K) of the total cost of the programme are recovered from the participants as participation fee. 20-25 programmes are being conducted every year throughout the country.

As part of the comprehensive policy package for MSMEs, MSME-MDA scheme has been announced in August 2000 and came into operation w.e.f. 30 th August, 2001. With a view to increase participation of representatives of participating units, the provision of MSME-MDA Scheme has been modified recently. The major changes in the earlier scheme are as under:

(i) the Govt. of India will reimburse the 75% of air fare by economy class subject to upper limit of Rs.40,000/- (Rs.60,000/- for Latin American Countries) for small manufacturing enterprises and 90% (with corresponding absolute ceiling) for Micro manufacturing enterprises. (ii) 60% subsidy on space rent. (iii) Subsidy of Rs. 15,000/- per participating unit for the shipping cost of exhibits. (iv) The total subsidy on air fare, space rent & shipping cost of exhibits will be restricted to Rs.1.25 lakhs per unit for manufacturing enterprises and Rs.1.50 lakhs for Micro manufacturing enterprises or actual, whichever is less. (v) Any unit can avail of this facility only once a year and (vi) Only one person of the participating unit would be eligible for subsidy on air fare.

In addition, the scheme also provide for financial assistance upto Rs. 2.00 lakhs for Commissioning specific market studies and assistance for initiating/ contesting anti-dumping cases is available to MSME Association limited to 50% of the total cost of Rs. 1.00 lakh whichever is less. Provision for reimbursement of 75% of one-time registration fee paid to GS1 India by MSME unit for adoption of Bar Coding (w.e.f. Ist January, 2002). To avail financial assistance under the scheme, application may be sent alongwith requisite documents etc.

The objectives of the scheme are as follows :-

1. To encourage small scale industries to produce quality products conforming to national and international standards.
2. To propagate a culture of quality consciousness amongst a vast section of Small Scale manufacturing units.
3. To instill a sense of confidence of small industry products in the minds of the domestic consumers and to enhance the image of Indian products in export market.

These awards are given on the basis of recommendation by the State/ UT Level Selection Committee and the final selection by the National level Selection Committee for every calendar year.