Partnership aims to empower MSMEs through specialized training, digital tools integration, and local export communities, targeting $200-300 billion in exports by 2030
In a significant move to strengthen India’s e-commerce export capabilities, Amazon and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) have announced an extension of their strategic partnership, with a special focus on Tamil Nadu’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. The expanded collaboration, building upon their initial agreement from November 2023, aims to transform the state’s MSME sector through comprehensive digital enablement and export facilitation.
The partnership’s renewed scope encompasses specialized training programs across Tamil Nadu’s 47 districts, marking a substantial expansion of their initial engagement. A key highlight of this collaboration is the integration of Amazon’s Export Navigator tool within DGFT’s Trade Connect portal, creating a seamless digital interface for aspiring exporters.
“This partnership represents a watershed moment for Tamil Nadu’s MSME sector,” says Santosh Sarangi, Additional Secretary and Director General of DGFT, Ministry of Commerce. “Having already benefited over 3,000 MSMEs, we’re now aligned with the ambitious goal of enabling USD 200-300 billion in exports from India by 2030. Tamil Nadu’s robust manufacturing base and tech-savvy business community make it an ideal proving ground for this initiative.”
The collaboration introduces a novel concept of export communities, designed to serve as localized networks for both existing and prospective e-commerce exporters. These communities will function as comprehensive support systems, bringing together multiple stakeholders including government agencies, third-party service providers, manufacturers, and participants in Amazon’s Global Selling exports programme.
For Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem, particularly its strong textile and manufacturing sectors, this partnership opens new avenues for global market access. The state’s established industrial corridors in cities like Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Chennai stand to benefit significantly from the enhanced export infrastructure and knowledge-sharing networks.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, President of the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Association, emphasizes the timing of this initiative: “With Tamil Nadu contributing approximately 9.8% of India’s MSMEs, this partnership couldn’t have come at a better time. Our members have been seeking structured guidance on global e-commerce operations, and this collaboration provides exactly that framework.”
The program introduces several innovative features tailored to the state’s business landscape:
- District-level training sessions conducted in both Tamil and English, ensuring wider accessibility
- Integration of local success stories and case studies from Tamil Nadu’s export champions
- Specialized focus on the state’s key industries including textiles, leather goods, and engineering components
- Creation of digital resources specifically addressing regional export challenges
Data from the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation indicates that the state’s e-commerce exports have grown by 38% in the past year, with small businesses leading this growth. The Amazon-DGFT partnership aims to accelerate this trajectory by providing structured support and market access opportunities.
Looking ahead, the partnership envisions creating a self-sustaining ecosystem of exporters across Tamil Nadu. The establishment of local export communities is expected to generate a multiplier effect, with successful exporters mentoring newcomers and creating a knowledge-sharing network that extends beyond the program’s formal structure.
