• GDP: US$797 billion (2005-2006).
• Main exports: Textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, chemicals and leather manufactured goods.
• Main imports: Crude oil, machinery, gems, fertiliser and chemicals.
• Main trade partners: USA, United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore and UK.

Advanced technology initiatives, such as digital communications and space research, contrast with the poverty that persists, particularly in rural areas. The country ranks among the top dozen in the world by gross national product. Roughly three-fifths of the population are involved in agriculture, both subsistence (mainly cereals) and cash crops, including rice, tea, rubber, coffee, cotton. 

India’s energy requirements are met by oil, most of which is imported despite the growth of indigenous production, and hydroelectric schemes. Mining produces iron ore and cut diamonds for export. India’s main industrial development has been in engineering, iron and steel, chemicals, electronics and textiles. Since the 1990s, trade has been liberalised, the sprawling public sector cut back, and some state-owned industries sold off. 

The economy has resumed its healthy growth rate, currently just over 8% per annum, while inflation is just 4%. Further improvements to the national infrastructure and basic services are now seen as the priority for central and regional governments. Foreign investment has reached an all-time peak of over US$4 billion annually and is set to continue rising.

English is widely used in commercial circles, so there is little need for translation services. Indian businesspeople welcome visitors and are very hospitable. The coolest months for business visits are October to March, and accommodation should be booked in advance.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1700, Sat 0930-1300.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
Corporate House, 147B Gautam Nagar, Gulmohar Enclave, New Delhi 110 049, India
Tel: (011) 2651 2477/9.
Website: www.assocham.org

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi 110 001, India
Tel: (011) 2373 8760/70.
Website: www.ficci.com

The main congress and exhibition centres are Bengaluru (Bangalore), Bhubaneswar, Chennai (Madras), Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata (Calcutta) and Mumbai (Bombay). In addition, top-class hotels with convention and conference facilities are found throughout the country. Air India, Indian Airlines and leading hoteliers and travel agents are members of the International Congress and Conference Association (ICCA) and they provide all the services required for an international event.