Amazon is his presence in cities of level 2 and -3, where 70 percent of his new customers now come, said Samir Kumar, country manager. Kumar is back in India for what he calls his “second entrance” with Amazon, almost a decade after helping to launch the electronic commerce platform in the country. Since he returned to lead Amazon’s operations in India, Kumar says the plans for level 2, -3 and beyond the market, the expansion of rapid trade nationwide, and why the electronic commerce giant doubles with an investment of $ 15 billion in what it is, that is, that is, it is difficult.
You have described India as one of Amazon’s most strategic markets worldwide. Could you explain its importance in the general development of Amazon?
India continues to be one of our fastest growing markets worldwide, and the leadership team is very satisfied with the growth of the upper and lower line after 11 years of operation here.
We have created about 1 million direct and indirect jobs in India, and we are on the way to reaching 2 million. In our direct payroll, we have around 1,20,000 employees in all companies. We are helping to transform the way India buys and sells, and that is creating economic opportunities throughout the country.
Amazon has invested almost $ 11 billion and has committed another $ 15 billion in investments in India by 2030. Where does this capital unfold?
This commitment covers all our businesses, including Amazon Web Services (AWS). A significant portion will be used to improve the service in cities of level 2 and -3, which now represent 70 percent of our new customers. The Quality and Speed of Service in these Areas Harbor What We Sacrifice In Metro Cities, So We’re Research Heavily in Infrastructure to Change That-Building More Fulfilment Centers, Expanding Our Deliver Network, and Developing A Strongthide Nate-Day-Day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day-day just in remote areas.
We are also investing heavy in the reduction of the costs of our 1.6 million vendors and building innovations of AI that will shape the future of electronic commerce in India.
How important are these smaller cities and towns for Amazon’s growth strategy in India?
They are critical. While we cover 100 percent or useful pin codes in India, what really matters is how fast we can get there. It is possible that these markets still do not have full access to a wide range of products, but the aspiration is there. There is a good customer base in the thesis markets and deserve the same Amazon experience that customers enjoy in metropolitan cities.
We are also working to make products more affordable for customers in these regions. For example, we launch Amazon Bazaar last year, providing access to products below ₹ 599. It is about serving premium customers and those in the segments of lower value, we both need both.
There has been a significant rumor around Amazon that enters fast trade in India. Many observers say you are late for the game. How do you answer?
I don’t think they are late at all. The market is still in its first internships, we are only scratching the surface of its potential. Our “Amazon Now” pilot in Bangalore is showing very encouraging results. We take our time to discover the right approach and we will go big in this space.
Is there a timeline for the national launch of this fast trade service?
I won to share specific dates, but our pilot is going quite well and we are accumulating activities for scale. All we do is the client upside down. As I tell my team: “As quickly as possible, but as slow as necessary.” You must move quickly, but also make sure you are listening to customers. We will do much bigger things in fast trade very soon.
His global sales program has become an important part of the history of Amazon India. What are the objectives there?
We have 1,50,000 Indian vendors that already export worldwide through our platform. So far we have enabled $ 13 billion in cumulative exports, and we are pointing to $ 80 billion by 2030. That is an increase of six times from the current levels. We are working with central and state governments, commercial agencies and other partners to make electronic commerce exports easier and more accessible to companies of all sizes. The opportunity to help Indian MSME to be global remains one of our most exciting initiatives.
Despite the mastery of Amazon’s electronic commerce, it transmits a leadership position in digital payments. What is your Fintech strategy?
We have about 105 million customers who use Amazon Pay Upi, which is a small number. But you are right: Upi is only transactional, and nobody really money there. Our approach is to create an ecosystem or financial convenience.
The Icici Amazon Pay credit card is one of the most widely adopted cards in the market, especially among the main members enjoying up to 5 percent reimbursement. Amazon Pay later sacrifices users a single -click payment experience. We are expanding our offers, including loan solutions for our sellers. In the next 6 months, I think we will offer even more exciting and valuable financial products.
Amazon has made relatively few acquisitions in India. Is this a deliberate strategy?
Our approach is always the client, not the competition. We focus on what makes more sense to our clients. In some markets, such as the Middle East with the acquisition of Souk.com, we have made strategic acquisitions when we have found companies that align with our customer mentality and are built in the long term. In India, we have chosen to build many of our organizations organically, focusing on creating the correct solutions adapted to the needs of the local client. That said, we are always open to opportunities that are aligned with our long -term values and strategy.
How are Amazon preparing for your Marquee Diwali sales event this year?
We are investing in compliance infrastructure in places where we previously had no capacity. These are online as we prepare for what we call the Diwali period. I think our clients in some of these places will be very happy with the capabilities we are building. I am also focused on improving the selection, which we carry under the roof in our stores. My reference point is Amazon.com, and compared to our global businesses, our assortment has to really grow. I am excited about the level of affordability that we will sacrifice this year, especially through payment products and improvements there. We have also lowered the maximum season of the seller’s duration, which means that they can build much larger companies. Then all the machinery is already in place.
There are leg speculation about the Amazon India OPI. What is your answer? In addition, give us an update on CCI matter.
They are all rumors and speculation. I will not comment on that.
With respect to the CCI matter, we comply with all the laws and regulations of the country, and I would not like to add anything else at this time, since the issue is Sub Judice.
