FedEx Expands Support for Indian SMEs with Global Shipping and Digital Tools
| 2025-05-17
FedEx boosts Indian SMEs with tailored logistics and global outreach.
FedEx enhances support for Indian small and medium enterprises with SME Connect, offering logistics, digital tools, and global market access.
FedEx Corporation, the world’s largest express transportation company, is intensifying its efforts to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India through SME Connect—a dedicated initiative aimed at helping local businesses scale globally with smart logistics and digital solutions.
Empowering entrepreneurship through logistics innovation
First launched in 2019, the SME Connect programme has grown into a nationwide platform offering tailored support for emerging businesses. According to FedEx, more than 5,000 SME customers and prospects have been engaged through 58 events held in 55 cities across India.
Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President of Marketing, Customer Experience, and Air Network for the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA) at FedEx, stated, “As SMEs accelerate their ambitions, we’re matching that pace with smarter solutions, stronger infrastructure, and deeper engagement. Through our SME Connect platform, we’re delivering more than packages—we’re enabling aspirations for SMEs to compete on the global stage.”
In the current financial year (FY25), FedEx introduced three new programme formats—SAMPARK, ANUBHAV, and MANTRA—designed to provide businesses with sector-specific guidance aligned to their growth stage. These additions aim to create more customised support for companies seeking to expand internationally.
Alignment with Indian government initiatives
FedEx’s SME engagement strategy aligns with several Indian government programmes, includingInvest India, theOne District One Product (ODOP) scheme, and theDistrict Export Hub (DEH) initiative. These efforts are designed to promote regional exports and foster entrepreneurship in non-metropolitan cities such as Rajkot, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kota, Pune-Chinchwad, and Bhilwara.
By integrating SME Connect with these national efforts, FedEx aims to help local producers reach overseas markets, thereby supporting India’s broader economic development agenda.
Enhancing international access through infrastructure
To support its growing SME base, FedEx has established a robust air network in India, now operating 23 weekly flights in and out of the country. The company offers two key international services:
- FedEx International Priority® facilitates delivery to major markets within 2 to 3 business days.
- FedEx International Connect Plus® (FICP) offers cost-effective shipping for e-commerce businesses across 14 Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) markets, with deliveries typically made in 1 to 3 days.
FedEx notes that delivery times may vary depending on origin and destination.
Digital tools for simplified shipping
Beyond physical infrastructure, FedEx is investing in digital technologies to simplify shipping operations for Indian SMEs. These include:
- FedEx Import Tool (FiT): Enables real-time tracking and digital documentation for imports.
- FedEx Delivery Manager International (FDMi): Allows customers to customise delivery preferences.
- FedEx Ship Manager™: Automates label generation and facilitates paperwork for international shipments.
- Electronic With Originals (EWO): Helps speed up customs clearance by allowing digital submission of documents.
- FedEx One-Stop Shop (FOSS): Combines services from FedEx Express and FedEx Logistics into a unified digital platform.
These services are designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce barriers for smaller businesses engaging in international trade.
A cultural message of ambition
FedEx recently collaborated with the Chennai Super Kings, one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League cricket tournament, to release a digital brand campaign. The film celebrates bold business ideas and aims to inspire entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional boundaries.
SMEs and India's economic growth
Small and medium enterprises play a critical role in India’s economy, accounting for nearly 30% of the country’s gross domestic product and employing over 100 million people, according to government data. However, challenges related to logistics, customs, and global market access continue to limit their growth potential.
FedEx’s SME Connect initiative is part of a broader push among global logistics companies to engage with emerging markets and support local innovation. By combining local insights with global infrastructure, FedEx aims to position itself as a strategic partner for India’s next generation of exporters.
About FedEx
Federal Express Corporation provides express transportation to over 220 countries and territories, operating a global air-and-ground network to guarantee delivery of time-sensitive shipments. The company continues to play a key role in enabling international commerce for businesses of all sizes.
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