India Rolls Out First Phase Of B2B Portal

As the world’s seventh-largest economy by GDP and second most populous nation, India is challenged with overcoming highly fragmented markets but skyrocketing demand. That is perhaps why the government’s new digital B2B portal must be rolled out in phases, considering just how large of a task the initiative truly is.

But the government is pressing ahead. Reports released Monday (April 27) announced the first launches of the portal, ezbiz.gov.in, to 10 states to operate in pilot phase. According to reports, the portal provides a single platform through which businesses can access central and state government services; so far, 14 services have launched on the site.

The platform allows entrepreneurs looking to launch their startups with a single source to find applications, licenses and various regulatory requirements. The site also facilitates online document applications and can process payments for various processing fees and other charges, reports said. Plus, business owners can receive updates on the progress of their application through email or text.

According to the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Nirmala Sitharaman, the portal “helps improve ‘ease of doing business’ in India by reducing the compliance burden on industry arising out of procedural and regulatory formalities.”

The new site aims to boost India’s suppliers and its standing in the global economy, reports said. India is looking to strengthen manufacturing’s role in its GDP to 24 percent, up from its current 14 percent contribution.

In its first phase, the platform will launch for businesses in 10 states including Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal and Haryana.

India has emerged as one of the frontrunners in the world with a flourishing startup community, especially within the B2B eCommerce market. Suppliers are now racing to meet demand for digital procurement, especially as corporate giants like Amazon and Walmart launch their own websites in the nation that allow buyers to procure wholesale supplies online.