New Delhi: The partnership aims to combine quality certification, digital commerce, accreditation, and institutional support to help Indian MSMEs become more competitive in domestic and global markets.
India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are set to receive stronger support through a new collaboration between the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on improving product quality, expanding market access, and strengthening the competitiveness of small businesses across the country.
The collaboration brings together QCI’s expertise in quality standards, accreditation, and certification with NSIC’s extensive support ecosystem for MSMEs. Together, they aim to help businesses adopt globally recognised quality practices while creating better opportunities for growth in both Indian and international markets.
A Unified Approach to MSME Development
The partnership will integrate several flagship initiatives under one coordinated framework, making it easier for MSMEs to access multiple support services.
Some of the major focus areas include:
- Promoting the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme.
- Expanding opportunities through the MSME Global Mart platform.
- Supporting digital commerce initiatives through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
- Encouraging participation in the TEAM Initiative for digital enablement.
- Strengthening the Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS).
- Enhancing testing, accreditation, and capacity-building infrastructure.
By bringing these initiatives together, the collaboration seeks to simplify access to quality improvement programmes while helping businesses improve their market presence.
More Digital Opportunities for Certified MSMEs
A key highlight of the partnership is the additional support planned for ZED-certified enterprises.
Businesses with ZED certification will gain improved visibility through digital marketplaces, benefit from product cataloguing support, and receive assistance in promoting exports using dedicated digital platforms. The collaboration also encourages stronger alignment between ZED Certification and NSIC’s registration ecosystem, making quality-certified businesses more competitive.
The agreement further includes efforts to strengthen accreditation for NSIC testing facilities and expand customised training programmes for NSIC laboratories and training centres.
Joint Committee to Monitor Progress
To ensure the collaboration delivers measurable outcomes, QCI and NSIC will establish a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC).
The committee will include representatives from both organisations and will meet every quarter to identify new opportunities, monitor implementation, and guide future collaborative initiatives throughout the five-year duration of the agreement.
This structured approach is expected to maintain momentum while allowing both organisations to respond to the evolving needs of India’s MSME sector.
Supporting India’s Vision for Globally Competitive MSMEs
The partnership reflects a broader commitment to strengthening India’s quality ecosystem while helping MSMEs build stronger foundations for long-term growth.
Officials from both organisations highlighted that combining quality infrastructure with institutional support can help businesses improve competitiveness, expand into new markets, and contribute more effectively to India’s economic development.
The collaboration also reinforces ongoing efforts to promote quality awareness, encourage continuous improvement, and support the vision of building globally competitive enterprises under the country’s long-term development goals.
A Step Towards Stronger MSME Ecosystem
As Indian MSMEs continue to play a critical role in manufacturing, exports, and employment, partnerships like this can help bridge the gap between quality compliance and market opportunities.
By combining certification, digital commerce, accreditation, and enterprise support under one framework, the QCI-NSIC collaboration aims to create a more accessible and growth-oriented ecosystem for thousands of businesses across the country.
With implementation set to be guided through regular coordination and institutional collaboration, the initiative has the potential to strengthen the quality culture within India’s MSME sector while opening new avenues for business expansion and global competitiveness.
Source: This article is based on an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India
Press Release Page | Press Information Bureau
