CONCLUSION Based on systematic literature review it has become possible to suggest an export performance model which may help SMEs to enhance their export performance in export market as shown in figure 1. This model synthesis dozens of export performance determinants already documented by researchers/scholars in various publications in order to develop a classification that may provides a comprehensive base for understanding firm-level determinants of export performance. Determinants were subjectively classified into three main categories: management characteristics; firm’s characteristics; and export marketing strategic capabilities. Management characteristics that affect the export performance of the firms are further classified into attitudinal characteristics, skill based characteristics and behavioral characteristic. Firm’s characteristics and competencies such as firm size, technology level knowledge etc. and export marketing strategic capabilities such as utilization of international marketing research, segmentation and targeting, product capabilities etc. also play a central role in the export performance of the SMEs