#Title Overseas buyers commend AP govt’s initiative to provide global market access to MSMEs

Hans News Service Visakhapatnam

Thethree-day International Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet (RBSM) that concluded in Visakhapatnam generated strong commercial interest, resulting in the signing of 88 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

Organised jointly by the Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation (AP MSMEDC) and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme, the event brought over 40 overseas buyers from 25 countries and over 250 MSMEs from across Andhra Pradesh for structured one-to-one business meetings.

Several business discussions are at various stages of negotiation and are expected to translate into export orders following product evaluation, sample approval and further commercial follow-up.

The valedictory session was addressed by T Siva Sankara Rao, chairman, AP MSME Development Corporation, and K. Unnikrishnan, joint director general, FIEO. The valedictory session witnessed the exchange of MoUs between overseas buyers and participating MSMEs. The AP MSME DC chairman also interacted with buyers and sellers to understand their experiences and explore future business prospects.

Addressing the session, the dignitaries highlighted the importance of sustained market-access initiatives in enabling MSMEs to understand international market requirements, improve product and packaging standards, establish direct connections with overseas buyers and integrate into global value chains.

Overseas buyers appreciated the diversity and quality of products presented by Andhra Pradesh enterprises. They expressed interest in continuing discussions with shortlisted suppliers and exploring long-term sourcing partnerships.

Joint Director General, FIEO K. Unnikrishnan emphasised that the signing of MoUs marked the beginning of the business engagement process. He urged buyers and sellers to maintain regular communication, promptly exchange product specifications and samples and work towards converting commercially viable discussions into firm export orders.

The participating MSMEs represented a diverse range of sectors, including agricultural and processed food products, spices, rice, marine products, food ingredients, textiles, chemicals, engineering products and other value-added goods.