Amazon partners with DGFT to leverage Districts as Export Hubs initiative and boost MSME exports

Ecommerce giant Amazon India has partnered with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

According to the company's statement, the partnership is aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India and enhancing their e-commerce exports through training and workshops in 75 districts, as identified by the DGFT.

How will this initiative benefit MSMEs?

The initiative, part of the Districts as Export Hubs outlined in the Foreign Trade Policy of March 2023, is designed to connect local producers in rural and remote areas with global markets.

Amazon and DGFT will focus on educating MSMEs about e-commerce exports and providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to reach customers worldwide.

This includes access to services like product imaging, digital cataloging, and tax advisory.

What does this mean for India's export landscape?

Shri. Santosh Sarangi, Additional Secretary and Director General of DGFT, highlighted the initiative's alignment with the Prime Minister's vision of transforming each district into an export hub.

He emphasized the collaboration with Amazon as a step towards achieving a target of $200-300 billion in e-commerce exports from India by 2030. 

What are the districts as export hubs initiative?

The Districts as Export Hubs initiative is a significant part of India’s Foreign Trade Policy. It aims to transform each district into a thriving export hub by leveraging its unique potential and identity.

The initiative involves collaboration between the Department of Commerce, DGFT, states, and districts to facilitate exports of specific products and services. It focuses on boosting manufacturing and exports in urban areas while stimulating economic activity in rural districts.

How is Amazon Global Selling contributing to Indian exports?

Amazon Global Selling, launched in India in 2015, is a flagship e-commerce export program that helps Indian MSMEs and entrepreneurs reach global customers.

The company said the program has enabled over 1.25 lakh exporters to showcase their Made in India products in over 200 countries and territories. It aims to surpass $8 billion in cumulative exports by the end of 2023, demonstrating its significant impact on India's export economy.