New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen the resilience of India’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) against unfair trade practices such as dumping, the Commerce Ministry on Wednesday organized a focused workshop to sensitise MSMEs about the trade remedy measures available to them.
The initiative, conducted through the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) – the ministry’s dedicated body for addressing such issues – aimed to bridge the awareness gap and empower small businesses with tools to defend themselves against injurious imports.
Empowering MSMEs Through Knowledge and Dialogue
According to the Ministry, the central theme of the workshop was to–
- Educate MSMEs on available trade remedy tools, such as anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures
- Facilitate discussion around real-world challenges MSMEs face from unfair trade practices
- Explore practical solutions to help these enterprises seek redress through existing legal and institutional frameworks
Participation from Trade Experts and Global Voices
The event was enriched by the presence of trade policy experts and international voices. Notable speakers included–
- Anant Swarup, former Director General of DGTR
- Andrea Mastromatteo, Director, Rules Division, World Trade Organization (WTO)
Their insights helped place India’s trade defence mechanisms within a broader global context, and emphasized the role of capacity-building for smaller enterprises operating in an increasingly competitive global market.
A Step Toward Self-Reliance and Fair Competition
By sensitising MSMEs to trade remedy options, the Ministry aims to strengthen the domestic manufacturing ecosystem, in line with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision. The workshop also supports MSMEs in becoming more globally competitive by ensuring a level playing field in domestic and international markets.
