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The India SME Forum, in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation, inaugurated the AP-MSME Export Development Convention 2025, a two-day event supported by the Government of India and the World Bank, here on Sunday. On the first day, visiting international buyers projected business requirements worth around ₹174 crore. The convention aims to empower 18.6 lakh MSMEs in Andhra Pradesh by enhancing their access to global markets, finance, and technology. Amid a rapidly evolving global trade landscape marked by rising U.S. tariffs and shifting supply chains, the event comes at a crucial time to help Indian MSMEs diversify export destinations, reduce reliance on traditional markets, and strengthen resilience through new international partnerships, the organisers said. More than 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, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe — took part. The international delegation was felicitated by State MSME Minister Kondapalli Srinivas, in the presence of Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, APMSME Development Corporation chairman Tammireddy Siva Sankara Rao, and other dignitaries. Mr. Srinivas said, “With policies tailored for every sector, we are shaping a new era where every family can dream, build, and lead as entrepreneurs of tomorrow.” Mr. Sankara Rao said, “The strength of our MSMEs lies in their ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver excellence — and this will keep Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of India’s MSME success story.” APMSME Development Corporation CEO Vishwa M said, “With nearly 30% of the State’s GDP driven by MSMEs and startups, we are committed to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth across every district. Together, we are building a self-reliant, future-ready Andhra Pradesh powered by its MSMEs.” India SME Forum president Vinod Kumar said, “With a clear roadmap to scale merchandise exports from $20 billion to $450 billion by 2047, Andhra Pradesh is not merely chasing numbers — it is setting benchmarks for ambition and execution.” Panel discussions on “Empowering Exports from Andhra Pradesh: Policy Imperatives” and “Boosting E-commerce Exports from Andhra Pradesh” featured prominent exporters, digital trade enablers, and industry experts, who shared insights on how digital platforms and online marketplaces are opening new frontiers for the State’s MSMEs.
