Walmart has announced a supplier development programme in India to help small firms take part in global supply chains.
Under the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program, 50,000 small businesses will be trained and prepared to become “part of the supply chains of Flipkart, Walmart Global Sourcing and Walmart India, or those of other domestic and international companies”, said Walmart.
Over a five-year period small businesses “who have the desire and potential to grow will get the tools they need”, with in-person training, expert advice and “access to Walmart’s deep global experience and a network of peers and mentors in their local communities”.
Walmart is partnering with Indian community development non-profit Swasti on the programme, which will be delivered via university partners at 25 Walmart Vriddhi institutes across India.
The training will cover all aspects of business management, promoting customer-centric strategies and best practices in workforce management and environmental sustainability.
Shiv Kumar, founder and chief mentor at Swasti, said: “We are excited to help give MSMEs [micro, small and medium-sized enterprises] the chance to participate in domestic and global supply chains that will contribute to their profitability and competitiveness and to India's economic development as a whole.”
Judith McKenna, president and chief executive officer of Walmart International, said: “The Vriddhi programme will encourage Indian suppliers to make for online and offline customers around the world, including – but not limited to – the supply chains of Flipkart and Walmart.
“That openness makes us unique and can truly create opportunities for those who participate. Whether a supplier has ambitions domestically or around the globe, Walmart Vriddhi will give them the tools they need to succeed.”
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