Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai (WTC Mumbai) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen domestic and international collaboration in public procurement, with a focus on expanding opportunities for MSMEs, startups, women entrepreneurs and underrepresented suppliers.

The partnership aims to enhance GeM’s global positioning through structured cooperation in areas such as international procurement dialogues, capacity-building programmes, supplier outreach and research on emerging themes including artificial intelligence in procurement, sustainability and green practices.

Leveraging WTC Mumbai’s international network, the collaboration will facilitate webinars, trade fairs and buyer–seller meets. These initiatives are expected to help Indian MSMEs access overseas markets while enabling international suppliers to onboard onto the GeM platform, strengthening cross-border procurement linkages.

Satya Narayan Meena, Additional Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of GeM, said the MoU represents a significant step in evolving GeM into a globally benchmarked platform. He noted that with more than 10 million registered users on the GeM portal, expanding exposure and market access is critical. By leveraging MVIRDC’s expertise in trade and exhibitions, the partnership aims to empower MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and smaller enterprises while strengthening India’s digital procurement ecosystem.

Dr Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of WTC Mumbai and President of the All India Association of Industries, said the collaboration would help bridge India’s public procurement system with diverse domestic and international markets. He added that the partnership would enable MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and startups to gain improved access to government procurement through GeM.

Dr Kalantri also highlighted that WTC Mumbai has advocated timely credit for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs with the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India, noting that such measures would further strengthen MSMEs in line with the objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

To ensure effective implementation, a Joint Working Group will oversee the initiatives and ensure alignment with government policies on public procurement, data security and inclusivity. The partnership is expected to enhance market access, strengthen global engagement and support inclusive growth within India’s public procurement framework.