Visakhapatnam's Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (February 18-19, 2025), Unveils Exciting Export Opportunities for MSMEs

The two-days Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM), organized by the Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation (APMSME DC) in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), concluded successfully on February 19, 2025, in Visakhapatnam. The event brought together over 25 international buyers from 18 countries and over 430 MSME exporters (amongst 196 were first time exporters), creating a dynamic platform for export opportunities.

The RBSM was inaugurated by Dr N Yuvraj IAS, Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Govt of AP, who highlighted the critical role of MSMEs in driving AP’s export growth and economic development. The Secretary highlighted various trade promotion initiatives of AP Government and focus given for developing critical infrastructure with the aim to help industries to reduce logistics costs. The event aimed to provide opportunities for MSMEs to access international markets. Dr Yuvraj also explained on the various infrastructure projects being executed by Andhra Govt for making exports competitive in the international market.

Vishwa M, Chief Executive Officer, APMSME DC while addressing the participants in the validatory session said that the AP Govt. has introduced several policies and incentives to support MSMEs, including export promotion schemes, financial assistance, and ease of doing business initiatives. Andhra Pradesh, with its strategic coastal location, robust infrastructure, and thriving industrial ecosystem, has emerged as a key player in India's export landscape.

The session generated prospective business of USD 70, 66,250. In this 38 MOUs were signed by the first-time exporters, business worth approximately USD 29, 28,000.

Gopalakrishnan, Regional Chairman FIEO South while welcoming the delegates and participants during the validatory session said that exports from Andhra Pradesh in the year 2023-24 was USD. 19.3 billion with 5% share in India’s export. He shared experience of FIEO in organising previous successful B2Bs across India and said Andhra Pradesh is having the potential to gain 10% of India's export basket within a short span of time.

During the RBSM parallel sessions were organised on international trade related activities which provided insights on global market trends, export strategies, and government initiatives to support MSMEs, Testing and certification requirements in global markets etc.

The event provided a platform for exporters and buyers to connect, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations.

Another highlight of this event was that many self-help groups and FPOs got the opportunity to offer their products to global markets. One of the participants was the Tribal Women Multipurpose Mutually Aided Co-Operative society, Visakhapatnam, procuring products from tribal women in hilly areas. This will help them in getting higher realisation for their produce. Other beneficiaries include Godavari Coconut Producers Association, Diviseema Federation Farmer Producer Co Ltd, Nandana Agro Farmers Producer Co Ltd and Garthapuri Farmers Producer Co Ltd, for directly exporting Agri and Processed Products.

K Unnikrishnan, Jt Director General, FIEO did the summing up and delivered the Vote of Thanks.