- FIEO launched the SheTrades India Hub to empower women entrepreneurs
- The initiative aims to strengthen India's export ecosystem
- It is a collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and funded by the UK Government's SheTrades Commonwealth Programme
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has initiated the SheTrades India Hub, a pioneering program aimed at strengthening women entrepreneurs and building India's export environment. Created in association with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and backed by grant funding from the UK Government's SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, this project makes FIEO the host organisation for the 20th SheTrades Hub worldwide
Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), highlighted the government's focus on creating a non-discriminatory trade environment in his address. "Currently, we are exporting about 800 billion dollars' worth of goods and services annually, and our aim is to reach up to 2 trillion dollars in the coming few years.". But to achieve this objective, it doesn't just need to be exporters from our urban areas but also from our hinterland areas to join forces and lead the way in pushing our export growth," he said.
"This underscores both the opportunity and the challenge facing India in the growth of its e-commerce exports," Santosh added. "It also provides opportunities for women entrepreneurs, weavers, artisans, gems and jewelry manufacturers, AYUSH and wellness product makers to export to international markets and bring in the quality and superiority of Indian products to the world."
He also highlighted the critical role of women entrepreneurs towards economic growth and was hopeful that the SheTrades India Hub would act as a catalyst to incorporate more women-owned businesses into global trade.
Santosh stated that his ministry is negotiating with ITC to make the Trade Connect e-platform stronger. The objective is to provide information on products to be exported, potential markets, available FTA benefits, upcoming events, and offer instructions via video tutorials that can facilitate the process of exporting.
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, ITC Executive Director, reinforced the worldwide impact of SheTrades Hubs by noting they have helped thousands of women entrepreneurs globally.
She expressed confidence that the SheTrades India Hub would equip Indian women entrepreneurs with the resources and networks needed to succeed in global markets. The SheTrades India Hub will function as a comprehensive resource center for women-led businesses nationwide, providing capacity-building workshops, mentoring sessions, business matchmaking events, and policy advocacy.
These services aim to support women entrepreneurs in accessing international markets, financial resources, and business growth, overcoming obstacles like lack of access to markets and resources, FIEO says.
