India is one of the fastest growing economies, and is making advances in technologies such as space research and digital communication, and since 1990 trade has been liberalized, making India a global country.

60% of the population in India is working in the agricultural sector, which includes both subsistence and commercial agriculture, but still the maximum contribution to GDP is made by the industrial sector whose development rests on iron, steel, textiles, chemicals, engineering and electronics industries. Indian economy grew at the rate of 9.4% in year 2007, and had an inflation rate of around 5.5%.

India produces cut diamonds, textiles, jewellery, engineering goods, chemicals and leather-manufactured goods and iron ore for exports to other countries, and imports machinery, gems, crude oil, fertilizers and chemicals from other countries.

Etiquette

People in commerce and industry in India are usually hospitable and fluent in English; hence there is not much need of translators in the business circles of India.

Working hours: Mon to Fri: 0930-1730, Sat: 0930-1300.

Conferences

Main centers for assembly and exhibitions are Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Hydrabad, Chennai and Mumbai. Indian Airlines, Air India, and many hotels and travel agents provide various services for an international event, as they are members of the International Congress and Conference Association (ICCA).

Contacts

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
Address: Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi 110 001, India
Telephone no.: (011) 2373 8760/70.
Website: www.ficci.com

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
Address: Corporate Office, 1, Community Centre Zamrudpur, Kailash Colony, New Delhi 110 048, India
Telephone no.: (011) 4655 0555.
Website: www.assocham.org