3.2

Market Access Initiative (MAI)

Under MAI scheme, Financial assistance is provided for export promotion activities on focus country, focus product basis. Financial assistance is available for Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Industry and Trade Associations (ITAs), Agencies of State Government, Indian Commercial Missions (ICMs) abroad and other national level institutions/eligible entities as may be notified.

A whole range of activities can be funded under MAI scheme. These include, amongst others,

i. Market studies/surveys,

ii. Setting up of showroom / warehouse,

iii. Participation in international trade fairs,

iv. Displays in International departmental stores,

v. Publicity campaigns,

vi. Brand promotion,

vii. Reimbursement of registration charges for pharmaceuticals and expenses for carrying out clinical trials etc., in fulfillment of statutory requirements in the buyer country,

viii. Testing charges for engineering products abroad.

ix. Assistance for contesting Anti Dumping litigations etc.

Each of these export promotion activities can receive financial assistance from Government ranging from 25% to 100% of total cost depending upon activity and implementing agency.

Full text of guidelines is available at http://commerce.nic.in.