New Delhi, June 22 (IANS): Online marketplace Snapdeal on Monday announced its partnership with the Himachal Pradesh government to launch a special e-commerce zone at Dharamshala.

The special e-commerce zone by Snapdeal endeavors to create business expansion and employment opportunities for the residents of Dharamshala, said a company statement.

"India's growing internet economy, presents immense opportunities for growth of small and medium businesses. With the special ecommerce zone, we are looking at invigorating and mainstreaming local economies by linking and assisting them to harness the potential of the internet," said Snapdeal co-founder and CEO Kunal Bahl.

This zone would offer multi-dimensional digital initiatives like creating online entrepreneurs, information technology training camps, outsourcing to local information technology companies, establishment of a Snapdeal technology innovation lab and promoting traditional state handicrafts through a specially curated online store for Himachali handicrafts, he added.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said: "It will have a positive impact on the economy of this region which until now has been largely based on tourism. We are now beginning a new chapter for Dharamshala's growth and I look forward to replicating this model across other regions of the state."

Snapdeal has taken a few steps to build capacities in the small town by initiating a Snapdeal Dharmashala Store, training workshop and pick up facilities, outsourcing IT services, partnering with local start-ups for co-habitation and Snapdeal technology lab.