November 11, 2024: FedEx, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, announced its collaboration with Invest India to support the Government of India’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Together, they aim to boost the growth of Indian small businesses by providing them with access to global markets, capacity building, and branding opportunities.
The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India’s vision for balanced regional development, aims to promote a unique product from each district across India. By providing comprehensive support to local artisans and manufacturers, the program enhances livelihoods and showcases the rich diversity of Indian craftsmanship. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to the Make in India vision, fostering innovation and enabling local businesses to compete on the global stage.
“FedEx was founded on the belief that a connected world is a better world,” said Kami Viswanathan, president, FedEx, Middle East, India Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA). “Through our collaboration with Invest India, we aim to address challenges faced by local producers, providing tailored solutions to simplify global logistics. Together, we are boosting exports and driving sustainable economic growth.”
Through this collaboration, FedEx will leverage its global network and logistics expertise to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access international markets and streamline shipping processes. FedEx aims to enhance brand visibility and product quality for artisans by leading webinars, workshops, and on-ground events in association with Invest India, enabling SMEs to showcase their unique products from India’s diverse districts to international buyers. Collaborating with Invest India, FedEx will integrate ODOP clusters into its SME Connect platform to promote knowledge sharing and practical training for small businesses.
“ODOP initiative is dedicated to globally promoting over 1,200 unique indigenous products from 750+ districts and driving the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement. We are excited to collaborate with FedEx in this endeavour for a mutually beneficial engagement encompassing the facilitation of global market access through the footprint FedEx has in 220+ countries and territories, and training ODOP-registered local producers on best practices for packaging, shipping, inventory management and other aspects to enhance export. Together, we are not only fostering the economic growth of these producers but also enabling them to share their stories and innovations on a global stage”, said Nivruti Rai, managing director and chief executive officer, Invest India.
FedEx and Invest India are committed to advancing the ODOP initiative by improving the global competitiveness of SMEs and driving India’s economic development.
About Federal Express Corporation
Federal Express Corporation provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With annual revenue of $88 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.
About Invest India
As India’s national investment promotion agency, Invest India acts as a concierge, gateway, and facilitator for every investor, trader, and R&D partner looking to engage with India. The organisation, formed in 2009 as a partnership of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Industry Associations, is committed to guiding and assisting both domestic and global investors, strategic planning and execution of policies, incentives and initiatives that foster investment, streamline business processes and support investors throughout their business lifecycle.
In the new mandate, Invest India is entrusted with three key responsibilities: Facilitating investments; Facilitating trade growth and working with the investors and supporting them till they see a return on investments; and identifying and enabling research and development collaborations, with a focus on deep technology and AI across all sectors from electronics, energy, automotive, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. For further details, please visit: https://www.investindia.gov.in/