‘Felt cheat’, CAIT criticizes Gujarat government for signing deal with Amazon

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Tuesday criticized the Gujarat government for signing a deal with Amazon, alleging that the US-based e-commerce giant is indulging in anti-competitive practices. Amazon has said that it has entered into an agreement with Gujarat’s Industries and Mines Department to help drive e-commerce exports from the state.

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Amazon will train and onboard MSMEs from the state to Amazon Global Selling, enabling them to sell their unique Made in India products to millions of Amazon customers in over 200 countries and territories.

“Apart from Gujarat traders, traders across the country felt cheated at the hands of Gujarat government for joining hands with a known law delinquent company. CAIT will oppose such MoU,” CAIT said in a statement.

While Central statutory bodies like Competition Commission of India (CCI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are probing Amazon for anti-competitive practices and violation of e-commerce rules, the Gujarat government is joining hands with them. Increase sales, it said. It said, “It is extremely regrettable that the counsel for the Central Government is exposing Amazon in various courts including the Supreme Court, but on the other hand the State Government of Gujarat is in agreement with Amazon.”