District as an Export Hub: Analysing Export Readiness &Support System of Msmes in Coimbatore

Dr. S. S. Ramya¹, Nithin Teja S², Ram Prasad M² & Rithick S²
¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce,
PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore-14.
Email ID: ramyaspsg@gmail.com,
² Students of III B. Com (BPS), Department of Business Process Services,
PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore-14.

Abstract:India's MSME sector is the backbone of the economy, comprising over 63 million enterprises and contributing approximately 30% to the country's GDP and 48% to total exports. Despite this significant contribution, the export potential of MSMEs remains largely untapped due to various structural, financial, and informational barriers. Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu, home to over 323,000 registered MSMEs as of August 2024 and known as the 'Manchester of South India,' exemplifies this untapped potential. This study comprehensively analyses the export readiness of MSMEs in Coimbatore district and evaluates the effectiveness of the government support system ecosystem. Using a mixed-method approach with stratified random sampling across 152 MSME respondents, the research applies Percentage Analysis, Chi-Square tests, and ANOVA to examine export status, infrastructure readiness, quality certifications, awareness of government schemes, and key challenges. Findings reveal that while production capabilities are relatively strong, significant gaps exist in international certifications, marketknowledge, access to finance, and awareness of government initiatives such as the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) scheme.  The study provides evidence-based recommendations to transform Coimbatore into a world-class export hub.
Key words: Export Readiness, MSMEs, Coimbatore, Government Support System, Districts as Export Hubs, International Trade, Chi-Square, ANOVA