Reverse Buyer Seller Meet 2026 Concludes Successfully in Mumbai, Forging Strong Export Pathways for Maharashtra MSMEs

The two-day Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) 2026, organised by the Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (MSSIDC), Government of Maharashtra, with India SME Forum as the implementing agency, concluded on April 28 at The Leela Hotel, Mumbai. The event served as a dynamic platform to connect Maharashtra-based Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with over 33 international buyers from across continents, aiming to boost the state’s export potential through direct B2B engagements.

Pre-RBSM workshops held across Maharashtra drew participation from over 780 MSMEs, while the main event saw registrations exceeding 1,000 enterprises. From this pool, more than 360 workshop-trained MSMEs were selected for intensive one-on-one meetings. Over the two days, 437 B2B meetings took place, resulting in the signing of 24 deal memos worth USD 10.21 million (over INR 96 crore). Several Indian sellers also hosted factory visits and follow-up discussions, indicating strong potential for additional conversions in the coming months.

Day 1: Knowledge Sharing and Strategic Insights

The event kicked off on April 27 with an inaugural session led by Shri Vikas Pansare, IAS, Managing Director, MSSIDC; Mr Vinod Kumar, President, India SME Forum; and Ms Sushma Morthania, Director General, India SME Forum.

Shri Vikas Pansare highlighted Maharashtra’s role as India’s industrial and financial powerhouse and the importance of platforms like RBSM under the RAMP programme in building a future-ready MSME ecosystem aligned with India’s $5 trillion economy vision.

Mr Vinod Kumar invoked the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, underscoring the need to empower MSMEs through access to credit, capacity building, and global exposure.

Ms Sushma Morthania described RBSM as a focused matchmaking platform designed to align products with the right market opportunities and foster long-term collaborations.

A high-level Plenary Session on “MSME Exports from Maharashtra: Opportunities & Ecosystem” was moderated by Ms Sushma Morthania. It featured eminent speakers, including Shri Ashwin Golapkar, Deputy DGFT; Shri Abhishek Jain, Joint Commissioner, Customs (Export); Ms Yogita Hattangadi, General Manager, Exim Bank; Mr Brejesh B Chalill from Axis Bank; Mr Percy Avari, Country Manager India, Aramex; and Mr Pranay Shah from Tata AIG.

This was followed by a Fireside Chat on “Beyond Borders: Simplifying Global Logistics for Indian MSMEs” featuring Mr Abbas Panju of Aramex and Mr Vinod Kumar. Ms Cauvery Kapur from Axis Bank presented on export financing and trade facilitation.

In the afternoon, international buyers held sector-specific breakout sessions covering Electronics & Electrical Components, Agricultural & Food Products, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Engineering Goods, Textiles & Apparel, and Chemical & Allied Products. Over 33 buyers shared insights on country-specific demand, regulatory requirements, and expectations from Indian suppliers.

Day 2: Focused B2B Engagements and Valedictory

April 28 was dedicated to pre-scheduled one-on-one B2B meetings in structured slots. These sessions enabled detailed discussions on product specifications, quality standards, pricing, and delivery timelines. The event concluded with a Valedictory Session followed by a Keynote Address by Shri Uday Samant, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Maharashtra.

Dr Uday Samant said, “The Maharashtra government remains fully committed to empowering our MSMEs, which form the backbone of the state’s economy. Through this Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM), we are providing direct opportunities for our small and medium enterprises to connect with international buyers, showcase their capabilities, and boost their exports. Our government is continuously working to create a supportive ecosystem with better infrastructure and policy interventions so that more MSMEs from Maharashtra can scale up, enhance quality, and successfully penetrate global markets.”

Ms. Ankita Pandey, IRS, Director, Ministry of MSME, said: “By bringing international buyers directly to MSMEs, the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet is transforming how small businesses access global markets. What makes this initiative impactful is the end-to-end support across finance, logistics, and compliance, ensuring these engagements translate into sustained business outcomes. Maintaining quality and credibility will be key as our enterprises represent the strength of India’s MSME sector.”

Mr Vikas Pansare, IAS, reflected: “The scale and quality of engagements witnessed over the past two days reaffirm the growing global relevance of Maharashtra’s MSMEs. By directly connecting enterprises with international buyers, the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet under the RAMP Programme is translating intent into tangible export opportunities. This momentum signals a strong and sustained pathway for MSMEs to expand their global footprint.”

Mr Vinod Kumar, President, India SME Forum, said, “Despite global uncertainties, we successfully brought together many international buyers from key markets, reinforcing strong global confidence in Maharashtra’s MSME ecosystem. This Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet is creating a robust platform for meaningful engagement and long-term partnerships. As India’s leading economic powerhouse, Maharashtra has the scale and ambition to attract thousands of global enterprises every year.”

The successful RBSM 2026 has created strong momentum for sustained export growth and deeper integration of Maharashtra’s MSMEs into global value chains.