With an aim to propel the growth of MSME sector, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal released the comprehensive “E-Commerce Exports Handbook for MSMEs” prepared by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
At the time of release, the Minister said that the Handbook, a significant initiative supporting the objectives of Foreign Trade Policy 2023, will prove to be a definitive guide for MSMEs seeking to harness e-commerce platforms for expanding their exports.
The handbook is envisioned as a one-stop repository providing detailed insights into strategies for promoting exports via e-commerce, facilitating MSMEs to venture into global markets effectively.
Hand-hold, promote new and first-time MSME producers
The government has envisioned to hand hold, promote new and first-time exporters and other MSME producers to export from India, especially through the E-Commerce route.
An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between DGFT and Shiprocket, an E-Commerce enabler for holding capacity building and handholding sessions, as part of the E-Commerce outreach conducted by DGFT Regional Authorities under its Districts as Export Hubs Initiative.
This is part of the DGFT’s collaboration with different E-Commerce platforms/enablers to hold training sessions in districts across the country with focus on promoting E-Commerce exports, the commerce ministry said.
Goyal noted that through e-commerce, our goal is to bridge the gap and connect Indian MSMEs, craftsmen, farmers, and food processors with global markets.
He further said that India’s traditional products like ‘Shree Anna’ (millets) and numerous other agricultural goods hold substantial demand across the globe, especially in regions with a significant Indian diaspora.
IT framework, other enablers put in place
In order to spike the growth of MSMEs export through e-commerce, Piyush Goyal announced that the benefit of the Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) would be extended to courier and postal exports and for this, the necessary IT framework and other enablers are being put in place.
He further emphasized that this step should help the SME sectors to take advantage of Government schemes, further pushing the e-Commerce exports and boosting overall export growth from the country to achieve the target of 1 trillion USD merchandise exports by 2030.
It should be noted here that India’s Foreign Trade Policy 2023 has a stated objective to support Cross-border E-Commerce exports.
The policy focuses on empowering artisans, weavers, craftsmen, and MSMEs. An Inter-Ministerial Working Group has also been constituted to address the challenges of E-Commerce Exporters and provide comprehensive solutions. E-Commerce exports is one of the key focus areas in the Foreign Trade Policy.
Commerce minister also highlighted that the government is promoting India as a global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination to showcase India’s MSME sector, traditional handicrafts, artisanal offerings, weavers and manufacturing prowess.
He said that an array of game-changing initiatives are being undertaken to emphasize India’s global footprint and bolster its economic engagement with the world.
