Walmart and Flipkart announce MoU with Assam government to build a strong foundation for MSMEs to expand their businesses
Guwahati, India, August 04, 2022: Walmart and Flipkart today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industries & Commerce and Public Enterprises Department, Government of Assam and Public Health Engineering, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, and Tourism Department, Government of Assam to form an ecosystem which supports and aids the digitization of local MSMEs in the state. Under this tripartite agreement, MSMEs will benefit from Walmart and Flipkart's assistance in digitizing their operations and expanding their reach across India. Additionally, they can expand their export potential and join the global supply chain of Walmart.
Through this partnership with Swasti, Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) offers small businesses and entrepreneurs a complete learning platform and provides expansion opportunities, free training, in-depth expert assistance and the right tools and skills required to grow and expand their business. To facilitate the expansion and improvement of small and medium enterprises, training seminars and mentoring sessions are conducted regularly. MSMEs are now registering for the programme from tier 2 and tier 3 cities across India, along with key metros including Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Surat, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
On the signing of the MoU, Honorable Minister of Public Health Engineering, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, and Tourism Department, Government of Assam, Shri Jayanta Mallabaruah said, “MSMEs are the growth engine of our state, and we are determined to help them become successful in India and across the world. The Government of Assam has launched several initiatives to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to grow their business. The Walmart Vriddhi program will help them become competitive not just in the domestic market but also get connected with major export destinations globally. I would like to thank Walmart and Flipkart for the partnership. We look forward to working together to build a robust MSME ecosystem in Assam.”
Walmart Vriddhi was launched in 2019 with the aim to equip 50,000 Indian MSMEs with the business skills required to be successful as Walmart suppliers, Flipkart sellers, and on other domestic and international marketplaces. Thousands of Vriddhi MSME graduates across multiple states are being trained to expand their domestic capabilities and participate in global supply chains, helping them build sustainable businesses, generate employment, and increase exports. Currently, the learning program is conducted digitally with MSMEs receiving personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions.
Talking about this collaboration, Nidhi Munjal, Vice President, Supplier Development – India, Walmart, said, "We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Government of Assam and honored to support their initiatives to expand and create a strong digital ecosystem for MSMEs. Assam is fast emerging as a major investment hub for MSMEs.[1] Through the Walmart Vriddhi program, we want to offer MSMEs an opportunity to develop the necessary skills to grow in domestic and international markets. This collaboration will accelerate our efforts to digitize local MSMEs while helping them achieve their highest potential.
Jagjeet Harode, Senior Director & Head – Marketplace, Flipkart, said, “The partnership with the Government of Assam is a continuation of Flipkart and Walmart’s commitment to empower MSMEs, artisans, weavers, and women entrepreneurs across every state in India. Through programs such as Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart Samarth, our aim is to assist them with business expansion on online marketplaces. We look forward to working with MSMEs from Assam, helping them build capacity and take advantage of the rapidly growing digital economy in India.”
N Raghunathan, Cofounder and Mentor, Swasti, said, “The development and expansion of MSMEs in the state will be aided by this relationship with the Assam government. Through the Vriddhi initiative, we are dedicated to helping MSMEs in becoming more resilient for the future and supporting their participation in regional, national, and global supply chains.”
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com
About Swasti
Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and active globally with a footprint in 30 countries, was founded in 2004. Swasti co-designs demonstrable and scalable solution models in partnership with communities on the ground and influences policies nationally and internationally. Over the past 15 years, Swasti has directly reached over 400,000 people through its initiatives, including more than 238,000 factory workers, the majority of whom are women.
