The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has taken a significant stride towards empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and fostering e-commerce exports from the nation. Collaborating with various e-commerce players, DGFT is leveraging the Districts as Export Hubs initiative to promote and facilitate e-commerce exports.
In a groundbreaking move, DGFT has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Amazon India, marking the first such collaboration with different e-commerce platforms. The MoU outlines plans for joint capacity building sessions, training, and workshops for MSMEs situated in districts identified under the Districts as Export Hub initiative, an integral part of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
The primary objective of this alliance is to utilize e-commerce platforms as a conduit to support local exporters, manufacturers, and MSMEs in connecting with potential international buyers. By aligning with the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, which underscores e-commerce as a pivotal focus area for bolstering India’s exports, this partnership aims to enable exporters to globally market their ‘Made in India’ products.
As per the MoU, Amazon and DGFT will conduct comprehensive capacity-building activities in select districts across India. These sessions will educate MSMEs on e-commerce export mechanisms, aiding them in effectively showcasing and selling their products to a global audience. The collaborative efforts will encompass diverse aspects such as imaging, digital cataloging, and tax advisory, empowering Indian entrepreneurs to establish and expand their e-commerce export ventures. Initially, 20 districts have been identified for capacity building and training sessions under this partnership.
Furthermore, DGFT is actively engaged in discussions with various other e-commerce platforms like Flipkart/Walmart, E-bay, Rivexa, Shopclues, Shiprocket, and DHL Express to replicate similar collaborations in additional districts across the country under the Districts as Export Hubs initiative. These endeavors aim to supplement DGFT’s initiatives in supporting, guiding, and promoting new and first-time exporters, as well as MSME producers, thereby contributing significantly towards achieving the ambitious goal of $1 trillion in goods exports by the year 2030.
By forging strategic alliances and leveraging the potential of e-commerce platforms, DGFT’s concerted efforts seek to democratize access to global markets for Indian MSMEs, facilitating their integration into global supply chains and catalyzing the nation’s export growth trajectory.