New Delhi, July 3 (KNN) The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) has put on its website the guidelines for International Cooperation (lC) Scheme 2018. The provision for international component kept in the budget of MATU, MAS, MPDA and CVY Schemes has been merged with the IC Scheme.

The IC Scheme guidelines of the Ministry issued on 16th December 2016 have been revised with the approval of Minister for State (I/C) for MSME.

The principal objectives of assistance under the International Cooperation (IC) Scheme are technology infusion and/or upgradation of Indian MSMEs, their modernization and promotion of their exports.

Activities that the scheme would cover include - Visit of MSME delegations to other countries in international exhibitions/ trade fairs, conferences/ summits/workshops etc. for exploring new areas of technology infusion/upgradation, joint ventures, improving market of MSMEs products, etc; Participation of MSME delegations in international exhibitions, trade fairs and buyer-seller meets in foreign countries; Holding international conferences/ summits/ workshops/ seminars relating to MSME sector to be organized in India by the Industry Associations/ Government organizations; Holding/organising mega international exhibition or fair and international conferences/seminars/workshops, Joint Committee Meetings/Joint Working Group Meetings/Government to Government bilateral meetings with outer countries in India by Ministry of MSME or organizations under it; and Sending a delegation of the Ministry of MSME to an International Exhibition/Fairs/Conference in foreign countries.

Besides the Ministry of MSME and organizations under the Ministry, under the Scheme the events can be organized by State/Central Government Organisations; Registered Industry/Enterprise Associations; and Registered Societies/Trusts and Organisations associated with promotion and development of MSME Sector.

Meanwhile, under the scheme, the financial assistance to one organisation would normally be restricted to two events in a financial year.

The guidelines mention that there will be a “Score Card” for selection of the MSME units participating in the International Fairs/ Exhibitions abroad.

The Industry Associations/Organizations etc. will furnish the Score Card, duly filled up, along with the application and also give a self-undertaking to the effect that information furnished in the Score Card is correct and nothing has been concealed.

The minimum qualifying score/points should be 60% of the Score Card. Claim will be accepted only in respect of those MSME Units whose names have been submitted by the Industry Associations/Government Institutions in the list submitted along with the application form.

Meanwhile, the guidelines stated that the provision for international component kept in the budget of MATU, MAS, MPDA and CVY Schemes has been merged with the IC Scheme.

The maximum ceiling of financial assistance to be recommended by the Screening Committee for one international event to be held abroad is Rs.50.00 lakh. For relaxation of the ceiling, Secretary (MSME) will be the Competent Authority.

Grants under the Scheme will be released on re-imbursement basis, after the event is over, on submission of the re-imbursement claim. (KNN Bureau)