FIEO
Inaugurates SheTrades India Hub to Empower Women Entrepreneurs and Enhance
Global Trade
New Delhi, March 11, 2025: The
Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has launched the SheTrades
India Hub, a significant initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and
strengthening India’s export ecosystem. This endeavor, in collaboration with
the International Trade Centre (ITC) and funded by the UK Government’s
SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, positions FIEO as the host institution for
the 20th SheTrades Hub globally.
The SheTrades India Hub will
serve as a comprehensive resource center for women-led businesses across the
nation, offering capacity-building workshops, mentoring sessions, business
matchmaking events, and policy advocacy. These services aim to support women
entrepreneurs in accessing international markets, finance, and business
development opportunities, thereby addressing challenges such as limited access
to resources and markets.
Mr. Santosh Kumar Sarangi,
Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India , in his
inaugural address, emphasised the government’s commitment to
fostering an inclusive trade environment. He highlighted the pivotal role of
women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and expressed optimism that the
SheTrades India Hub would serve as a catalyst for integrating more women-led
businesses into global trade. Mr Sarangi also added that Trade Connect platform
with the support of ITC SheTrades India Hub will also further help in promoting
women-led exports growth. He further reiterated that the Export Promotion
Mission of the government with concrete idea for supporting SheTrades hub can
also be looked into complimenting women-led trade growth. DGFT also said that
FIEO and ITC should look at enrolling 3 lac women entrepreneurs through this
initiative launched today.
Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton,
Executive Director of ITC underscored the global impact of SheTrades Hubs,
noting that they have supported thousands of women entrepreneurs worldwide. She
expressed confidence that the SheTrades India Hub would provide Indian women
entrepreneurs with the tools and networks necessary to thrive in international
markets.
Mr. Ashwani Kumar, President
(Officiating), FIEO remarked, that “The SheTrades India Hub marks a pivotal
moment for India’s trade ecosystem. This initiative is not only a step forward
in empowering women entrepreneurs but also a strategic move to harness their
untapped potential in global markets.”
Mr. Israr Ahmed, Vice President
(Officiating), FIEO, highlighted the significant growth of India’s e-commerce
sector and the essential role women entrepreneurs play in this domain. He noted
that with the global e-commerce market projected at USD 2 trillion by 2030,
Indian women entrepreneurs are poised to contribute substantially to this expansion.
Dr. Ajay Sahai, Director General
& CEO, FIEO reiterated the increasing contribution of women in India’s
manufacturing sector, particularly in export-led industries like textiles and
handicrafts. He stated that initiatives like SheTrades are crucial in providing
women entrepreneurs with access to international markets and skill development,
thereby strengthening India’s position in global trade. He hoped that Women led
businesses will have huge economic and social impact.
Ms. Christina Scott, Acting High
Commissioner & Chargé d’Affaires of the UK in India , underlined the UK’s
commitment to fostering women’s economic empowerment. She stated, “We are very
pleased to launch the SheTrades Hub in India, contributing to a global network
aimed at propelling women-owned businesses into international trade.”
In conjunction with the launch,
the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme will organize a “Training of Trainers”
session on branding and digital marketing on March 17-18, 2025, followed by a
training session for women-led businesses on March 19-20 in New Delhi. These
sessions aim to equip women entrepreneurs with essential skills to enhance
their international market presence.
The establishment of the
SheTrades India Hub marks a significant step toward creating an inclusive,
sustainable, and gender-equal trade environment, empowering women entrepreneurs
to make meaningful contributions to global trade and India’s economic growth.
