FISME urges Brics to turn summit pledges into concrete trade-finance and tech support for MSMEs

The Federation of Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (FISME) urged Brics nations to translate the New Delhi Declaration into actionable measures that improve MSMEs' access to trade finance, technology and foreign markets. It welcomed the inaugural Brics SME Forum held in Agra and the related report on strengthening MSME competitiveness, and asked for mechanisms like invoice-discounting, alternative data credit assessments and digital GST-based identification to reduce reliance on collateral.

FISME also called for streamlined, low-cost cross-border payments, interoperable customs procedures and a pilot scheme that lets small exporters handle payments and documentation without large-company burdens. The organization pushed for deeper standards cooperation, mutual recognition of test reports, and joint initiatives on Industry 4.0, AI and affordable technology solutions through Brics centres and incubator networks.

Additional recommendations covered green-transition assistance, such as carbon-accounting tools and transition finance, and the creation of an online mediation and expedited arbitration system for minor commercial disputes. Finally, FISME proposed an annual MSME implementation scorecard to track progress across finance, standards, technology, sustainability and dispute resolution.