Amazon India joins hands with FISME to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises

Amazon and FISME will conduct events and workshops to enable and encourage MSMEs to sell their products in India and across the world with ecommerce marketplace solutions.

In line with its vision of transforming the way India buys and sells, Amazon India has announced a partnership with the Federation of Indian Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises (FISME) to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to tap growth opportunities in the ecommerce sector. According to the MoU, Amazon, in collaboration with FISME, will conduct various events and workshops across the country to enable and encourage MSMEs to sell their products to millions of consumers in India and across the globe by using ecommerce marketplace solutions.

Amazon and FISME aim to educate MSMEs on the nuances of online selling domestically and also B2C exports. The collaboration will give MSMEs access to experts from Amazon, FISME, and various service providers to help them understand the procedures and requirements related to areas such as logistics, cataloging, imaging, and taxation. MSMEs will also be educated on digital business opportunity, brand building, documentation, listing methodology and services such as Fulfilment by Amazon and Sponsored Ads.

Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary General, FISME, said, “Amazon and FISME share the vision of empowering the MSME ecosystem in India and including them in the growth journey of the Indian economy. The partnership with Amazon India gives us the opportunity to use our extensive network for the development of Indian MSMEs. Through this partnership, we aim to empower our members and partner associations on various trade-related opportunities in the market. We believe our partnership will promote entrepreneurship and facilitate the creation of a competitive environment, improving market access for Indian MSMEs, in India and abroad.”

Gopal Pillai, Director and GM, Seller Services, Amazon India, said, “The MSME sector plays a critical role in the growth of the Indian economy. In fact, a large selection on Amazon is brought by these small and medium sellers. To enable their growth further, we are excited to partner with FISME. We will work closely with FISME members to develop innovative business models that will help MSMEs accelerate their growth by leveraging opportunities in the ecommerce sector - positively impacting the Indian economy. Furthermore, unique products sold by MSMEs will also give our customers access to increased selection.”

Improving the selling experience

To improve the selling experience for MSMEs, Amazon offers fulfilment services that allow manufacturers and exporters to focus on their products and pricing, and also makes available imaging and cataloging support by getting photo shoots done as per Amazon standards at nominal costs. Amazon also provides references of independent third-party service providers who can provide tax guidance services, and access to other export-related modalities by connecting potential exporters to relevant independent advisory agencies.

To enable MSMEs to familiarise themselves with tastes and preferences of customers, Amazon will also offer guidance on how to improve discoverability of products, type of deals or advertisements to run, and how to drive awareness about listings on the marketplace.

According to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, there are 50 million small businesses in India. About 12 million of them are in manufacturing, and many have their own brands. This opportunity would directly help Amazon compete with the likes of AliBaba and further its B2B seller programme. It is early days in the race to win the B2B segment in India, but both companies are making their moves to make businesses use online platforms as the sales module.