The Commerce Ministry has launched an e-marketplace for online purchase of goods and services by various central government ministries and departments. <br/><br/>Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the move is aimed at bringing in more transparency and streamlining the government procurement of goods and services. <br/><br/>The Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) has developed the portal for the purpose. The department, which is under the Commerce Ministry, carries out the procurement.<br/><br/>Citing example of computers, she said if one wants a particular specification of a computer, various brands and specifications are available at the portal with cost. The minister said this is just a beginning and many more things are in the offing.<br/><br/>The DGS&D has asked the departments that for the success of the marketplace, it is necessary to upload the demands of common user goods and services required by government buyers. <br/><br/>This would help aggregate demand which will lead to lower prices, better choices and faster procurement.<br/>E-commerce is a fast growing industry in the country. <br/><br/>According to a study, e-commerce market is likely to grow 10-fold in next five years to reach 100 billion US Dollars on the back of increasing penetration of Internet, smartphones and spread of digital network in rural areas.