E-commerce fueling optimism among SMEs in BRICS countries

NEW DELHI, December 20 th, 2016 – The exchange of information on e-commerce and technology development, as well as the strengthening partnership between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), were the focus of a meeting organized today by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The meeting was part of an interregional project implemented by UNIDO, which aims to facilitate the cooperation between SMEs in China and other BRICS countries through the development of e-commerce, thereby contributing to the achievement of inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in these countries.

Participants included members of the Russian Technology Transfer Network, the National Small Industries Corporation, and representatives of a number of e-commerce companies in India. The discussion emphasized the importance of promoting SME development through e-commerce, and highlighted the great opportunities that e-commerce provides SMEs to overcome logistical and geographic challenges for better access to markets. Speakers also expressed support for the key target of the project, namely the preparation of national studies on e-commerce development in BRICS countries.

The importance of engaging governmental departments and business associations in order to establish a BRICS E-commerce Industry Alliance was also highlighted.

The BRICS economies have been among the fastest growing in the world. Over the years the BRICS countries have systematically strengthened their cooperation among each other, including through the creation of the New Development Bank, headquartered in Shanghai, and through the annual BRICS Summits.

Written by Unido
Photo: Partecipants at the UNIDO/FICCI meeting on e-commerce and SMEs

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