Goa Industrial Development Corporation (Goa-IDC) will organise a WorkshoponONDC as part of IDC Connect 2024 at Verna Industrial Estate. The workshop is free of cost and is open to all industries in Goa-IDC’s estates. The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) workshop is aimed at revolutionising the landscape of digital commerce for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Scheduled to be held at Fern Kesarval, Verna on Tuesday 21st May’2024, the workshop will reshape how business is conducted and address critical challenges hindering the participation of MSMEs in the digital marketplace.
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), is a Private, not for profit Section – 8 company established by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), M/o Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India to develop open e-commerce and to ensure democratisation of e-commerce. ONDC is not an application, an intermediary, or software but a set of specifications designed to foster open interchange and connections between shoppers, technology platforms, and retailers. ONDC was incorporated with the mission and vision of creating an inclusive e-commerce ecosystem.
ONDC is dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and promises to address longstanding hurdles across the commerce value chain. With a focus on empowering MSMEs, the workshop will shed light on how ONDC offers a transformative solution to critical points, ultimately paving the way for enhanced participation and sustainable success. The workshop led by Aditi Singha, Vice President – Govt of India Expansion Projects, ONDC will aim to provide attendees with valuable insights into the unique concept of ONDC and also emphasise the importance of ONDC in democratising e-commerce, enabling seamless connections between shoppers, technology platforms and retailers.
Pravimal Abhishek IAS, Managing Director—Goa-IDC, expressed his enthusiasm for IDC Connect 2024, stating, “Goa-IDC is committed to playing the role of a catalyst for the growth and development of industries in Goa and not merely confine itself to being a land provider. ONDC can be a game changer for MSMEs in Goa by unlocking new opportunities through an e-commerce network. I am confident this workshop will benefit many MSMEs in Goa, and Goa-IDC will organise more such workshops this year to ensure all industries in Goa-IDC’s estates are covered.”
Shireesh Joshi, Chief Business Officer—Govt of India Expansion Projects, ONDC, states, “The ONDC workshop at IDC Connect 2024 is an excellent opportunity for small businesses in Goa to learn about the benefits of an open e-commerce network. We will focus on how ONDC can enhance the value for small businesses by creating an inclusive and democratised e-commerce ecosystem. By addressing long-standing barriers and fostering a culture of inclusivity, ONDC is poised to unleash unprecedented opportunities for growth and prosperity”.
Key issues inhibiting MSMEs from harnessing the full potential of online commerce include limited choices for sellers to establish a digital presence, the inability of retailers and merchants to dictate their terms and conditions, and the significant challenge of discoverability for both buyers and sellers beyond the confines of large eCommerce platforms. Moreover, the complexities of stitching together the value chain have rendered participation unviable, if not impossible, for many players in the MSME sector.
The workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of how ONDC addresses these challenges head-on, ushering in a new era of digital commerce characterised by inclusivity, accessibility, and equitable opportunity. Through interactive sessions, informative presentations, and engaging discussions, participants will gain invaluable insights into how ONDC catalyses transformative change, unlocking the full potential of MSMEs in the digital economy.
Key topics to be covered during the workshop include:
· Introduction to ONDC: Understanding the Vision and Mission
· Empowering MSMEs: Addressing Pain Points Across the Value Chain
· Enhancing Discoverability: Facilitating Connections Beyond Traditional Platforms
· Enabling Flexibility: Empowering Sellers and Retailers to Set Their Own Terms
· Facilitating Seamless Integration: Simplifying the Value Chain for Sustainable Growth
This workshop presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders across the MSME ecosystem to exchange ideas and chart a course towards a more inclusive and prosperous future. By harnessing the power of technology and innovation, ONDC is poised to redefine the rules of digital commerce, placing the needs and aspirations of MSMEs at the forefront of economic transformation.
IDC Connect 2024 at Verna Industrial Estate promises to be a productive event for participants from various industries. It will offer a blend of informative sessions, networking opportunities, and exposure to new regulations and technologies. Stakeholders from multiple sectors are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the resources and knowledge-sharing opportunities available.