65 Export Facilitation Centres Established Across India To Support MSME Exporters: MoS Karandlaje

Amaravati, Dec 15 (KNN) The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has outlined the objectives, services and performance of its Export Facilitation Centres (EFCs), including those operating in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in response to a question raised in Rajya Sabha.

Mandate and Services of EFCs

Minister of State for MSMEs, Shobha Karandlaje, said the Ministry has established 65 Export Facilitation Centres across its field offices nationwide to provide mentoring and handholding support to MSMEs seeking to enter or expand in export markets. 

The EFCs assist enterprises by disseminating information on export-related schemes and incentives, organising training programmes and workshops on export compliance, and providing guidance on export documentation and procedures. 

They also facilitate engagement between MSMEs, industry associations, State Governments and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

EFCs in Andhra Pradesh

The Minister informed that two EFCs are currently operational in Andhra Pradesh—one at the MSME Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Visakhapatnam, and another at the Technology Centre, Pudi, also in Visakhapatnam. Both centres began operations in 2024.

These EFCs have been supporting MSMEs through Management Development Programmes (MDPs) on export marketing, as well as national seminars and workshops covering areas such as export packaging, export credit and insurance.

Performance and MSME Coverage

According to the Ministry, the EFCs in Andhra Pradesh supported 50 MSMEs during 2024–25. In the current financial year, from April to November 2025, 39 MSMEs have availed services from these centres.

While acknowledging concerns about geographical accessibility, the Minister stated that the EFCs located in Visakhapatnam are intended to cater to MSME exporters across the entire state. 

The Minister reiterated that the existing EFC network is designed to provide statewide support, with a focus on enhancing MSME participation in exports through capacity building and facilitation.

(KNN Bureau)