New Delhi, October 27(HS): Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, and Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, has described the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASSCOM and the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) as a significant and timely step towards the digital empowerment and growth of retailers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Jitin Prasada made the remarks while addressing CAIT’s “Tech Connect: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Traders and MSMEs” event in New Delhi. He emphasised the urgent need for businesses to adopt modern technologies to remain competitive amid the rapidly evolving commercial landscape.
Commending CAIT for its sustained efforts to safeguard and promote the interests of traders, Prasada said the agreement could prove transformative for small businesses and the MSME sector. He stressed that adopting digital technologies was no longer optional but essential in the current business environment.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would enable small traders to use technology effectively to expand their businesses, access new market opportunities and establish a stronger presence in the global marketplace.
Jitin Prasada said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had consistently emphasised Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, innovation and technology-driven development through various initiatives and public addresses.
Building on the Prime Minister’s vision, the partnership is expected to empower traders in three key areas: the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in day-to-day business operations, cybersecurity and protection against digital fraud, and digital marketing to facilitate the expansion of online businesses.
CAIT National Secretary General and Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal said adopting digital platforms had become increasingly important for traders as consumer behaviour continued to shift towards digital channels.
He cautioned that businesses that failed to embrace emerging technologies in time risked falling behind in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Praveen Khandelwal also highlighted the growing threats posed by cybercrime and online fraud alongside the expanding opportunities offered by digital platforms. He stressed that traders must become fully aware of digital security risks while incorporating new technologies into their operations.
He said the joint initiative by CAIT and NASSCOM would help traders across the country develop their technological capabilities, give their businesses a new direction and enable them to become stronger participants in the digital economy.
The agreement between CAIT and NASSCOM has been described as a major initiative to digitally empower India’s trading community. Under the MoU, traders across the country will receive training in AI, cybersecurity and digital marketing.
NASSCOM President Rajesh Nambiar said India’s digital economy could realise its full potential only when the country’s vast trading community embraced technology.
He said NASSCOM was committed to equipping traders through the partnership with world-class digital skills, AI-powered solutions, cybersecurity training and modern digital business models.
Rajesh Nambiar emphasised that technology should not be confined to large corporations but should also help small traders become more competitive, capable and self-reliant.
CAIT said the MoU was signed during its “Tech Connect” programme in New Delhi and received appreciation from Prasada. The initiative aims to train millions of traders and MSME entrepreneurs across India in modern digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital marketing, preparing them for the demands of the future economy.
According to CAIT, the partnership is expected to help hundreds of thousands of traders acquire digital skills in the coming years and accelerate business growth.
The initiative is also intended to advance Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat 2047 and Make in India, reinforcing the role of technology in strengthening India’s trading community and its broader economic development.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
