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WhatsApp Is Deeply Committed To India: Will Cathcart, Global Head

As a part of the partnership, WhatsApp will collaborate with NITI Aayog and will announce a host of events that are aimed at addressing the specific challenges being faced by women entrepreneurs in the country.

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Charvi Kathuria
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More and more Indians and even women entrepreneurs are using WhatsApp Business to expand their client base and expand their ventures. According to Will Cathcart, Global Head of WhatsApp, much of Indians’ economic activity is happening through WhatsApp. “There's so much energy and optimism happening here in India and we're so humbled to be part of it,” he said at an engaging event called 'Gateway to a Billion Opportunities', on how technology enables digital inclusion, in the presence of Mr Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog at Oberoi Hotel, New Delhi.

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He also asserted about how WhatsApp is deeply committed to India. “Our next step is to drive payments in India...all based on UPI standard, partnering with banks here in India,” he said. He also confirmed that the Facebook owned social messaging App will launch WhatsApp Payments later this year.

“We believe that if we get this right, we will accelerate financial inclusion and bring millions of people to India's fast-growing digital economy. We can't wait to provide this service to more people later this year,” he said.

He also announced a partnership with NITI Aayog to promote women entrepreneurship ecosystem in the country. As a part of the partnership, WhatsApp will collaborate with NITI Aayog and will announce a host of events that are aimed at addressing the specific challenges being faced by women entrepreneurs in the country.

“Digital Payments will accelerate financial inclusion and bring millions of people to India's fast-growing digital economy. We can't wait to provide this service to more people later this year” — Will Cathcart, Global Head of WhatsApp

At the same event Amitabh Kant, CEONITI Aayog explained that WhatsApp has 400 million users are in India. Indians love WhatsApp. It is empowering for so many women who own small businesses.

“So much of our economic activity happens through WhatsApp” — Cathcart

He also asked the company to accelerate its efforts to launch its payments service in the country. “We welcome you, fulfil all the regulatory commitments and drive digital payments in India...Indians love WhatsApp...they find it easy and simple. Therefore, once you get into digital payments the country will achieve digital payments by jumping in quantum leaps.”

Pallavi Utagi, Founder of SuperBottoms, present at the event mentioned how mom run ventures face many challenges but Apps like WhatsApp Business make it easier for so many moms to become mompreneurs. “It is like bringing up two babies,” she said.

In an interview with SheThePeople.TV, she said, “I set up a WhatsApp helpline that could help parents connect with us, in their convenient time, and get specific information tailored to their requirement. We also provided post-purchase support via WhatsApp video calling for troubleshooting with parents especially with regards to product fit and usage.”

The event culminated with Clair Deevy — Director of Public Policy, WhatsApp Inc. explaining the various features of WhatsApp Business which can make it easier for entrepreneurs to operate and communicate with their clients and customers.

Also: WhatsApp Blocks Chat Screenshots, What It Means For Us

#entrepreneurship Niti aayog #WhatsApp Whatsapp Business Will Cathcart
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