'Focus on providing better access for MSMEs to global markets'

Vishakhapatnam: The India SME Forum, in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation, Government of India inaugurated the AP-MSME Export Development Convention 2025, a two-day transformative, supported by the Government of India and the World Bank on Sunday.

With 18.6 lakh MSMEs present in Andhra Pradesh, the event is designed to empower them with enhanced access to global markets, finance, and technology.

Amidst a rapidly evolving global trade landscape marked by rising US tariffs and shifting supply chains, the convention comes at a critical juncture to help Indian MSMEs diversify export destinations, reduce dependency on traditional markets, and build resilience through new international partnerships.

The inaugural day of the AP-MSME Export Convention 2025 witnessed an inspiring start with the presence of senior dignitaries from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, foreign embassies, industry associations, and financial institutions.

The event brought together over 250 MSMEs from across the State and 35 international buyers and SMEs from 13 countries, including Costa Rica, Egypt, Ghana, Hungary, Malawi, Nepal, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

The international delegation was felicitated by Kondapalli Srinivas, Minister for MSME, P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, MLA (BJP); Tammireddy Siva Sankara Rao, Chairman, AP MSME Development Corporation and R.V. Pradhamesh, Additional Commissioner, Customs Commissionerate, Visakhapatnam.

The dignitaries extended a warm welcome to the international participants and expressed confidence that the convention would foster meaningful global partnerships and significantly enhance Andhra Pradesh’s export potential.

Delivering the special addresses, Kondapalli Srinivas, Minister for MSMEs, said, “Andhra Pradesh stands at the threshold of a remarkable transformation, powered by visionary leadership and an unyielding commitment to innovation. "Under Chief Minister’s guidance, our State is embracing futuristic technologies, building robust industrial clusters, and empowering MSMEs to scale from micro to global enterprises. With policies tailored for every sector, common facility centres to strengthen competitiveness, and financial inclusion through enhanced credit support, we are creating a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs."

The Minister said "today, Andhra Pradesh is not just fostering business; it is nurturing a culture of enterprise, excellence, and global collaboration. Together, we are shaping a new era where every family can dream, build, and lead as entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”

Among others, P Vishnu Kumar Raju, BJP-MLA, said, “Building a strong MSME ecosystem is at the core of our development vision.

With decisive leadership and coordinated efforts between the State and central governments, we are shaping an environment where entrepreneurship flourishes, challenges are swiftly addressed, and opportunities are created for every sector to grow.”

Tammireddy Siva Sankara Rao, Chairman, AP MSME Development Corporation, said, “The strength of our MSMEs lies in their ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver excellence.

By equipping them with knowledge, resources, and global exposure, we are ensuring that Andhra Pradesh becomes a leading hub for world-class products and competitive exports.

For sustainable export growth, quality and timeliness are key and our MSMEs are consistently proving their capability on both fronts."