The Goa State Export Market Development Scheme, 2008 was launched by the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Government of Goa, to promote and assist Goan industries in improving their export markets. The scheme aimed to help industries establish their goods firmly in the global market, leading to economic growth and job creation. The scheme offered interest-free loans to participate in international trade shows/exhibitions and for market study tours abroad.
The scheme was effective until March 31, 2011.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Launched by: Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Government of Goa
• Loan Type: Interest-free loan for participation in exhibitions and market study tours abroad
• Maximum Loan Amount: ₹5,00,000/-
• Repayment Terms: Loan repayable in equal half-yearly installments over five years
• Interest on Delay: 14% per annum on delayed payments
Benefits
• Interest-free loan up to ₹5,00,000 for participation in international exhibitions and study tours
• Repayment period of five years, with equal half-yearly installments
• Penalty of 14% interest per annum for delays in repayment
Eligibility
• The unit must be registered with the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Goa, with a permanent Entrepreneurs Memorandum II.
• The unit must have been in operation for a minimum of 3 years.
• The unit must have an import/export code issued by the Reserve Bank of India/Government of India or any competent authority.
• The turnover of the unit in the last three financial years must not exceed ₹10,00,00,000.
• A unit can avail this facility only once under the scheme.
• If the unit has already availed the benefits, sold or transferred units are not eligible to apply for the scheme.
Exclusions
• Units that have already availed benefits under the scheme or have been sold or transferred are not eligible for this scheme.
Application Process
Offline
Step 1: Obtain the prescribed proforma from the Directorate of Industries, Trade, and Commerce or download it from their official website.
Step 2: Fill in the required details, paste a passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
Step 3: Submit the duly filled application form and documents to the Director, Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the scheduled exhibition or study tour.
Post-Application Process
• The Director will communicate the decision within two weeks of application submission.
• If approved, the loan is disbursed by the Directorate.
• The unit must submit a detailed report within 30 days of returning from the visit.
Documents Required
• Permanent Registration Certificate
• Import/Export Goods Certificate
• Financial Statement certified by a Chartered Accountant for the last three years
• Collateral Security equal to the loan amount applied for
• Post-Dated Cheques for the repayment of installments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long did a unit need to be operational to qualify for the scheme?
A: The unit needed to be operational for a minimum of three years.
Q: What documentation was required to prove a unit’s import/export activities?
A: A valid Import/Export Goods Certificate issued by the Reserve Bank of India or the Government of India was required.
Q: What was the maximum turnover limit for units to be eligible under the scheme?
A: The maximum turnover for eligibility was ₹10,00,00,000 for the last three financial years.
Q: What happened if a unit that had already availed benefits under the scheme was sold or transferred?
A: The sold/transferred unit would not be eligible for the benefits of this scheme.
Q: What was the maximum loan amount provided under the scheme?
A: The maximum loan amount was ₹5,00,000 for participation in exhibitions or study tours.
Q: What were the purposes for which the interest-free loan could be used?
A: The loan was for participating in international exhibitions or for market study tours abroad.
Q: What was the interest rate charged for delayed loan repayments?
A: A penalty of 14% per annum was charged on delayed payments.
Q: What collateral security was required to avail the loan under the scheme?
A: Collateral security equal to the quantum of the loan applied for was required.
Q: What happened if a unit failed to repay the loan under the scheme?
A: The unit would incur penalty interest at 14% per annum on the delayed amount.
Q: What additional repayment assurance was required from the loanee?
A: The loanee had to provide post-dated cheques for the repayment of the installments.
Q: How long did it take for the Directorate to intimate its decision on the application?
A: The Directorate would intimate the decision within two weeks of receiving the application.
Q: How much time in advance did units need to apply before a study tour or exhibition?
A: Units needed to apply at least 30 days before the scheduled event.