In a significant move to boost Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Piyush Goyal, unveiled the “E-Commerce Exports Handbook for MSMEs” in Delhi. Prepared by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the comprehensive handbook serves as a crucial guide for MSMEs aspiring to leverage e-commerce platforms for expanding their exports.
The launch event highlighted the collaborative efforts involving various ministries and private sector stakeholders in developing this handbook. Designed as a one-stop repository, the handbook offers detailed insights into strategies for promoting exports via e-commerce, providing MSMEs with effective ways to enter global markets.
“Piyush Goyal emphasized the significance of India’s traditional products, such as ‘Shree Anna’ (millets) and various agricultural goods, which hold substantial demand worldwide, especially in regions with a significant Indian diaspora. He underscored the goal of using e-commerce to connect Indian MSMEs, craftsmen, farmers, and food processors with global markets. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an entrepreneurial-friendly environment, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of the ‘Wed in India’ initiative. This initiative aims to position India as a premier wedding destination, complementing the e-commerce promotion of traditional Indian goods for diverse wedding requirements”.
“As part of the announcement, Piyush Goyal extended the benefits of the Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) to courier and postal exports. To facilitate this, the necessary IT framework and other enablers are being put in place. This step is expected to assist SME sectors in taking advantage of government schemes, further propelling e-commerce exports, and contributing to the overall export growth target of achieving 1 trillion USD in merchandise exports by 2030”.
The handbook, initially released in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Kannada, will be translated into all official languages across India, ensuring accessibility for consumers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and women entrepreneurs looking to contribute significantly to trade and commerce.
To complement the Department of Commerce’s efforts in supporting new and first-time exporters, an MoU was signed between DGFT and Shiprocket, an e-commerce enabler. The collaboration aims to conduct capacity-building and handholding sessions as part of the E-Commerce outreach under the DGFT Regional Authorities’ Districts as Export Hubs Initiative. The E-Commerce exports handbook for MSME will play a pivotal role in creating awareness during these outreach events.
“India’s Foreign Trade Policy 2023 emphasizes supporting Cross-border E-Commerce exports, with a focus on empowering artisans, weavers, craftsmen, and MSMEs. To address the challenges faced by E-Commerce Exporters, an Inter-Ministerial Working Group has been constituted, providing comprehensive solutions and support. E-commerce exports remain a key focus area in the Foreign Trade Policy”.
The launch event was attended by key figures such as Director General of Foreign Trade, Shri Santosh Sarangi; Development Commissioner (MSME) Dr. Rajneesh; Additional Director General, Department of Posts, Shri Prannoy Sharma, along with senior officers from the Department of Commerce. The release of the E-Commerce Exports Handbook marks a significant step towards empowering MSMEs and fostering India’s growth in the global market.
