17.2.21

Amazon Set to Make Fire TV Streaming Device in India

Amazon is setting up its first device manufacturing line in the country in partnership with Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn, to make Fire TV Stick at the latter’s Chennai plant starting later this year.

The ecommerce giant said the production line will have an annual capacity of “hundreds of thousands” of Fire TV Stick devices, and that it will continuously evaluate manufacturing capacity based on domestic demand for its devices.

“This further reiterates our commitment to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative,” said Amit Agarwal, global senior vice president and country leader at Amazon India.

The company said the move is in line with its plan to partner with the government’s vision of a self-reliant India, or Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Amazon also reiterated its commitment to invest $1 billion into the country to digitise 10 million small and medium businesses by 2025 and create one million additional jobs by then.

“We welcome Amazon’s decision to set up a manufacturing line in Chennai as it will enhance domestic production capacities and create jobs as well,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad, communications, electronics and information technology minister.

“India is an attractive investment destination and is poised to become a major player in the global supply chain in the electronics and IT products industry.”

The minister also mentioned that it was only the beginning of Amazon's efforts to manufacture electronics products in India for the domestic market and for exports. People privy of the discussions said that Prasad told Amazon that while doing business in India they must also provide international exposure to Indian artisans and their products such as Madhubani paintings from Bihar, Benarasi sarees and wooden toys from Varanasi.

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