Small and mid-sized business represents the greatest base of potential exporters in India – business that could export but do not. The challenge for these small enterprises is to recognize the opportunity to expand their participation in international business by moving effectively into the international marketplace.

As a major part of the economic adjustment mechanism in the Indian economy, small firms discover new market, create new products, find new markets for old products and find new ways to accomplish old tasks. The same qualities that make small firms succeed in domestic markets can be brought to bear on their ability to export.

The agencies represented on the task force on trade are committed to being full and active partners in efforts at the national, state and local levels to increase small business exports. Our goal is to identify the needs of the small business exporter and develop a public-private sector partnership that will increase the competitiveness of small business in the international marketplace.

As a country that believes in the spirit of entrepreneurship, our challenge is to create an environment where entrepreneurs are able to use their creativity. We need to eliminate barriers to free enterprise, to unfetter our enterprising citizens and to encourage competition by small business in the world economy.

Our goal is simply stated: we seek more small business exports. We hope the coordinated efforts of the Indian Government agencies responsible for export programs will provide encouragement and support to small business across the nation as they move into the international marketplace.