Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: SheTrades India Hub Launches to Enhance Global Exports and Trade Opportunities

New Delhi: The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is pushing forward towards a goal of USD 1 trillion in exports by 2030. On Tuesday, they launched the SheTrades India Hub, designed to support and empower women entrepreneurs in India’s export sector. This initiative, created in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and funded by the UK Government’s SheTrades Commonwealth Programme, positions FIEO as the host for the 20th SheTrades Hub worldwide.

The SheTrades India Hub is a comprehensive resource center for women entrepreneurs. It offers various services, including workshops that teach essential skills for international trade. Participants will also benefit from mentorship programs, connecting them with experienced business leaders who can provide guidance. Furthermore, the Hub will host business matchmaking events to introduce women entrepreneurs to potential global buyers and investors.

During the launch, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Director General of Foreign Trade, emphasized the government’s dedication to creating an inclusive trade environment. He noted that the Trade Connect platform, supported by the SheTrades India Hub, will further encourage women-led exports. Sarangi also mentioned that the government’s Export Promotion Mission aims to support this initiative and hopes to enroll at least 300,000 women entrepreneurs through the program.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC, highlighted the positive global impact of SheTrades Hubs, which have helped thousands of women entrepreneurs worldwide. She believes the SheTrades India Hub will equip Indian women with the resources and networks needed to succeed in international markets.

FIEO President Ashwani Kumar called the SheTrades India Hub a key development for India’s trade landscape. This initiative not only empowers women entrepreneurs but also helps unlock their potential in the global market.

Ajay Sahai, Director General and CEO of FIEO, praised the growing role of women in India’s manufacturing sector, especially in exports like textiles and handicrafts. He sees initiatives like SheTrades as vital for providing women entrepreneurs access to international markets and skill-building opportunities, which will strengthen India’s position in global trade. He is optimistic about the significant economic and social impact of women-led businesses.

In an exciting upcoming event, the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme will host a ‘Training of Trainers’ session on branding and digital marketing on March 17-18, 2025. This will be followed by a training session for women-led businesses on March 19-20 in New Delhi. These workshops aim to equip women entrepreneurs with vital skills to boost their presence in international markets.