AP-MSME Meet Spurs New Era of Entrepreneurship

Andhra Pradesh is entering a new phase of entrepreneurship and export growth driven by its MSMEs, State MSME Minister Kondapalli Srinivas said while inaugurating the AP-MSME Export Development Convention 2025 in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

“With policies designed for every sector, we are shaping a future where every family can dream, create, and lead as entrepreneurs,” the Minister said.

The two-day convention, organised by the India SME Forum in association with the Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation, is supported by the Government of India and the World Bank. The event aims to strengthen 18.6 lakh MSMEs across the State by improving access to global markets, finance, and technology.

On the opening day, international buyers projected business opportunities worth Rs 174 crore. Organisers said the event comes at a crucial time as MSMEs look to diversify exports amid shifting global supply chains and rising U.S. tariffs.

More than 250 MSMEs from across Andhra Pradesh and 35 international buyers from 13 countries—including Costa Rica, Egypt, Ghana, Hungary, Malawi, Nepal, New Zealand, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe—took part.

Mr. Srinivas felicitated the visiting delegation in the presence of Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, APMSME Development Corporation Chairman Tammireddy Siva Sankara Rao, and other dignitaries.

Mr. Sankara Rao said that Andhra Pradesh’s MSMEs’ adaptability and innovation would keep the State at the forefront of India’s growth story.

APMSME Development Corporation CEO Vishwa M said MSMEs and startups contribute nearly 30% of the State’s GDP. At the same time, India SME Forum President Vinod Kumar noted that Andhra Pradesh is setting benchmarks with a roadmap to scale merchandise exports from $20 billion to $450 billion by 2047.

Panel discussions focused on policy imperatives and strategies for MSMEs to leverage e-commerce and digital platforms to expand their global reach.