Retail giant Walmart yesterday said India’s unique ecosystem of suppliers will help the company reach its goal of exporting goods worth USD 10 billion from the country annually by 2027. Addressing Indian suppliers and partners, Walmart Inc president and CEO Doug McMillon reaffirmed the roadmap for strengthening partnerships with Indian communities, expanding opportunities for Indian businesses and fostering innovative solutions for retail from India to the world.
Speaking about India’s potential as the fastest growing economy in the world, McMillon said: “Walmart is committed to India and we are here for the long term. We are proud that our business can support India’s growth by creating jobs, strengthening communities, and accelerating India’s progress as a manufacturing destination.”
Walmart leadership, including McMillon and Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, interacted with a cross section of suppliers, merchants, grantees, artisans and MSMEs across key India programmes and initiatives. These include Walmart Sourcing, Walmart Vriddhi, Flipkart and Flipkart Samarth, PhonePe, Walmart Marketplace, Walmart Global Tech in India, and the Walmart Foundation.
Walmart said in an official statement that it looked to the future of retail in India as a mix of shopping experiences that best serve Indian consumers, suppliers, producers, and retailers. They said they planned to build a holistic ecosystem that includes a wholesale cash-and-carry business, eCommerce platforms, payments and financial services platforms, as well as logistics and supply chain capabilities.
McKenna said that India has been a priority market for Walmart for a long time and the company cared about the country and its future.
“As a nation that’s set to be one of the world’s largest economies by 2030, we’re excited to have the opportunity to serve as partners in India’s economic development, aligned with the country’s ambitions. We remain committed to creating opportunity, strengthening local communities, and empowering customers, sellers, suppliers and farmers,” she added.
Walmart has invested in programmes and initiatives that help local sellers and suppliers, including kiranas, MSMEs, farmers, artisans, and women-owned businesses to modernise, prosper and create local jobs in the country. Walmart is determined to help drive India’s growth story and create shared value, the official statement read.