New Delhi : MSMEs looking to scale can find growth beyond familiar
markets. Exports can open doors to global customers, while the Government
e-Marketplace (GeM) can connect businesses with institutional buyers across
India.
A recent edition of SIDBI MSME Samvaad explored both opportunities,
highlighting what MSMEs need before taking the next step; From stronger
processes and compliance to financial discipline and reliable execution.
Going Global: Building Export Readiness
Exporting is about more than finding an overseas buyer. Quality,
consistency, documentation, compliance, and timely delivery are critical to
building trust in international markets.
With export processes becoming increasingly digital, registrations
such as IEC and GST, along with platforms such as ICEGATE and DGFT systems,
play an important role in enabling smoother trade. Free Trade Agreements can
also provide access to select markets at reduced or zero customs duties,
subject to applicable rules.
The journey of Faridabad-based Alpine Group, which grew from domestic
manufacturing into international markets in leather accessories, offered a
practical perspective. Its experience underlined a key lesson: a competitive
product may open the door, but dependable systems and consistent execution help
keep it open.
GeM: An Opportunity Beyond the Private Market
For MSMEs, another significant avenue lies closer to home. GeM
provides access to government procurement and institutional demand through a
digital marketplace.
More than 12 lakh micro and small enterprises were highlighted as
registered on GeM, with public procurement exceeding ₹5 lakh crore in FY
2025-26. Micro and small enterprises accounted for 68% of orders, while around
45% of procurement value went to MSMEs.
But registration is only the starting point. Success on GeM requires
businesses to identify the right categories, understand buyer requirements,
maintain necessary documentation, and assess their eligibility before bidding.
Compete Smart, Not Just on Price
One of the important takeaways from the discussion was the need for
financial discipline. While bidding on GeM, MSMEs must account for production,
overhead, logistics and delivery costs before deciding their lowest sustainable
price.
Competing purely on price can come at the cost of profitability.
Sustainable growth comes from knowing your numbers, and knowing the value you
bring.
The Bigger Opportunity
Whether it is global demand through exports or institutional demand
through GeM, the growth opportunity for MSMEs is expanding. But tapping into it
requires more than a good product.
Strong systems, compliance, technology, financial planning, and
reliable execution can help turn opportunities into sustainable growth.
Watch the full conversations on SIDBI MSME Samvaad to explore these
opportunities in greater detail.
Watch Episode 11 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyQYGXU6zko&list=PLUiMfS6qzIMw-FgBzeVXjTpPMarJlTc7W&index=2
Watch Episode 12 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzotbUD49tE&list=PLUiMfS6qzIMw-FgBzeVXjTpPMarJlTc7W&index=2