International Cooperation Scheme- Market Development Assistance

Market Development Assistance scheme for MSME (MDA) is a sub component under the International Cooperation Scheme by the Ministry of MSME. It supports businesses in gaining global market access. It offers financial assistance for participation in international trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and organising events both within India and abroad.

Highlights

• Reimbursement of expenses occurred for international events participation & facilitation
• Market development assistance for MSME through both physical & virtual mode
• Priority to SC/ST/Women & North east region entrepreneurs 
• Additional incentives to MSME with ZED certification (Bronze, Silver, Gold levels)
• Covers stall charges, travel, freight, publicity, and registration fees with clear ceilings.

What is the MDA Scheme?

• The scheme facilitates MSMEs participation in international exhibitions, seminars and buyer-seller meets abroad (both in physical & virtual medium)
• The scheme provides financial assistance for organising events in Bharat & abroad and reimbursing expenses of events 
• The scheme provides special benefits to MSME with ZED Certification & to MSME operated by SC/ST/ Women/North East Region entrepreneurs 

Objectives

• Promote MSME export through active market initiatives abroad and in India.
• Support international branding and networking opportunities.
• Encourage inclusion of marginalised groups (SC/ST, women, NER) in export activities.

Benefits of International Cooperation Scheme - MDA

• Reimbursement of Major Expenses
  Space rent, travel, freight, publicity, and registration costs are reimbursed based on actuals up to defined limits.
• ZED Certified Incentives
  Additional financial benefits for MSMEs holding Bronze, Silver, or Gold ZED Certification.
• Wide Coverage
  Applies to physical and virtual events, as well as government and industry-led initiatives.
• Inclusivity
  Encourages participation of underrepresented MSME segments.
• Advance & Final Grants
  Eligible organisations can receive a 50% grant advance and the balance on completion.

Financial Assistance Under the Scheme

In Physical Medium 

1.For MSMEs participation in international exhibitions 

2.For organizing international exhibitions on relevant themes for MSME sector in Bharat 

3.For organizing international exhibitions/workshops in abroad (by MSME with Industrial Associations)

In Virtual Medium 
1.For MSMEs participation in international exhibitions by Foreign Organisers 

2. For organizing international exhibition & workshops 

Minimum 5 international speakers & Minimum 300 participants joining the event

3. For organizing mega international exhibition & workshops 

Eligibility for International Cooperation Scheme-MDA

You are eligible if:

• You are an MSME invited by an eligible industrial association 
• Your are looking to participate in market & export promotion participation 
• You haven’t exhausted the maximum event participation limit (usually 3 per year).

You are not eligible if:

• Your organisation is unregistered or not involved in MSME development.
• You participate in unapproved events.
• You’ve already exceeded allowances or claimed reimbursement elsewhere.

Documents Required

• Registration certificate and Memorandum & Articles of Association.
• Audited financial statements for the past 3 years.
• Proof of event participation (tickets, invoices, boarding passes).
• Outcome reports and utilisation certificates for past grants.

Application Process for MDA Scheme

• Online by submitting an application on the International Cooperation Scheme portal.

Examples of Where MDA Can Be Used

• A cluster of 10 textile MSMEs from Tiruppur participates in a trade fair in Germany, using the scheme to cover part of their stall rent and publicity expenses
• An association of 18 IT-enabled MSMEs from Bengaluru attends a technology exhibition in Singapore, availing ₹5 lakh support for joint advertising &  brand promotion
• A group of 12 handicraft MSMEs from Jaipur showcases their products at a Dubai exhibition, receiving financial assistance for travel and marketing under the scheme