Walmart Inc. said it is rolling out a programme designed to work closely with 50,000 medium and small enterprises (MSME’s) across India to help them scale, build capacity, and perhaps be part of global supply chains. The Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) will also work to develop 25 institutes in India along with local organizations over the next five years.
“Walmart Vriddhi will actively work with India’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to expand domestic capabilities and participate in the global economy,” the company said on Monday. MSMEs will receive in-person training, as well as advice, access to Walmart’s deep global experience and a network of peers and mentors in their local communities. In India, Walmart operates through the Best Price Modern Wholesale cash-and-carry stores, apart from its investment in online retailer Flipkart that now gives it access to India’s growing e-commerce market.
“Whether a supplier has ambitions domestically or to serve customers around the globe – they’ll have the tools they need to succeed through Walmart’s supply chain or through someone else’s,” said Judith McKenna, President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart International, media reported. The retail giant did not share details of the companies that could participate in the program. Walmart Vriddhi is an open platform designed not just exclusively for Walmart which implies that these MSMEs will be able to work as suppliers for other competing retailers in the market, also added.