SOME FACT ABOUT INDIA: THE SECOND FASTEST GROWING MARKET IN ASIA

DOING BUSINESS IN INDIA

The Indian market with its one billion plus population, presents lucrative and diverse opportunities for U.S. exporters with the right products, services, and commitment.  India’s requirements for equipments and services for major sectors such as energy, environmental, healthcare, high-tech, infrastructure, transportation, and defense will exceed tens of billions of dollars in the mid-term as the Indian economy further globalizes and expands.  India’s GDP, growing at 6.7% (for 2008-09), makes it one of the fastest growing economies in the world and the second fastest in Asia.  India has potential for a sustained growth of 8-10% for the next couple of years.  Now is the time for U.S. companies to enter the rising Indian market.

BRIEF PROFILE & KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Official Name: Republic of India

Location: Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan

Population: 1.16 billion (May 2009)

Languages: Hindi (national language primary tongue of 30% of population); English enjoys associate status but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communications

Currency: Indian Rupee (Rs)

Capital City: New Delhi

Financial Center: Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay)

GDP: $1.16 trillion

Per Capita (PPP): $4,139 (2007-08)

NOT SO EMPHASIZED FACTS ABOUT INDIA…….

– is the world’s second largest small car market

– is one of only three countries that make its own supercomputers

– is the fourth largest economy in the world (measured in terms of purchasing power parity)

– is one of six countries that launch its own satellites

– 100 of the Fortune 500 have R & D facilities in India

– has the second largest group of software developers after the U.S.

– lists 6,600 companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange; only the NYSE has more

– is the world’s largest producer of milk, and second largest producer of food, including fruits and vegetables

– sends more students to the U.S. colleges than any other country in the world, as in 2008, over 94,563 Indian students enrolled in the USA

– Indian pharmaceutical industry is the world’s second largest after China

INDIAN HERITAGE – CONCEPTS & VALUES TO KNOW

In a diverse and complex country like India, it’s difficult to impart generic conclusions that could be used by those wanting to do business here. Regionalism, religion, language and caste are all factors that need to be taken into account when doing business in India. Behavior, etiquette and approach are all modified depending on whom you are addressing and the context in which they are being addressed.

Unlike western societies, in India religion, fatalism and collectivism are all components of daily life and they need to be respected for healthy and successful business relationships. Despite the traditional caste system being dismantled, remnants may still be witnessed in the Indian hierarchical structure of business practices and decision-making. There is a strong sense of tradition tied into daily business practices. Yet, signs of change are becoming more evident. Ever since the economic reforms began in 1991, India’s market is growing rapidly. With its geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean, a major international trade route, and with its rich mineral and agricultural resources, India’s economy is witnessing increased inflows of foreign investments. India is also recognized for its competitive education system and vast pool of highly skilled laborers, making it an attractive market for foreign businesses.

No matter what the industry is, foreign businesses should expect some degree of differences in business norms in India. Included below are some basic business etiquettes that the U.S. companies should follow when developing and maintaining relationship with Indian businesses.

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

• Do use titles to address your Indian counterparts, such as “Professor” or “Doctor”. If he/she does not have a title, use “Mr”, “Mrs”, or “Miss”.
• Do wait for a female business colleague to initiate a greeting whether it is verbal or physical. Indian men do not generally shake hands with women out of respect.
• Do remain polite and honest at all times in order to prove that your objectives are sincere.
• Don’t be aggressive in your business negotiations – it can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect.
• Don’t take large or expensive gifts as this may cause embarrassment? If you do take a gift make sure you present the gift with both hands.
• Don’t refuse any food or drink offered to you during business meetings as this may cause offence (sample small portions at least). In addition, it is useful to keep in mind that traditionally, and religiously, majority of Indians are vegetarians and do not drink alcohol or smoke.

MARKET ENTRY

Key factors to doing business successfully in India include: finding good partners who have knowledge of the local market and procedural issues; good planning; aggressive due diligence and follow up; and patience and commitment.

India by itself offers customized solutions to help your business enter and succeed in the Indian market. Our India-wide network of trade specialists will work one-on-one with you through every step of the exporting process, helping you to:

• Target the best markets
• Promote your products and services to qualified buyers
• Meet the best distributors and agents for your products and services

Market Entry Strategy

• Finding partners and agents: New businesses must address issues of sales channels, distribution and marketing practices, pricing and labeling and protection of intellectual property. Relationships and personal meetings with the potential agents are extremely important. Due diligence is strongly recommended.
• Geographic diversity: U.S. companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, should consider approaching India’s market on a local level. Good localized information is a key to success in such a large and diverse country. U.S. Commercial Service posts in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmadabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Calcutta provide indispensable local information and advice and are well plugged in with local business and economic leaders. Often multiple agents are required to serve each geographic market in the country.
• Market entry options: Options include using a subsidiary relationship, a joint venture with an Indian partner, or using a liaison, project, or branch office.

TO LOOK FOR

1.      Indian Ministry of Commerce & Industry

2.      Central Board of Excise & Customs

3.      Indian Government Website Directory

4.      Credit Rating

5.      Information Service of India

6.      Business Standard

7.      Economic Times

8.      Financial Express

9.      Business World

SOME USEFUL LINKS

1. http://commerce.nic.in/
2. http://www.cbec.gov.in/
3. http://goidirectory.nic.in/
4. http://www.crisil.com/
5. http://www.business-standard.com/
6. http://www.economictimes.com/
7. http://www.financialexpress.com/
8. http://www.businessworld.in/

—–Always Yours — As Usual—Saurabh Singh

Source: American Description of Business Environment of India

A LOOK ON SOME FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES–AT A RATE HIGHER THAN INDIA-NOTHING TO BE SURPRISED

GHANA

Several African nations are now growing at a rapid pace. So, this way Ghana also is no exception. It’s unique only in a way that, no nation is witnessing the growth in GDP rate as high as Ghana. Since a long time, unflattering adjectives like ‘worst managed’, ‘disastrous’, etc., were used when it came to talking of Ghana; but now they do not hold true. The Ghana of today has come a long way ahead in its journey towards prosperity and has earned the status of being the world’s fastest growing economy today. Ghana’s economy is growing at a phenomenal rate of 20.15 per cent. Ghana is oil-rich, has large gold and diamond deposits, while at the same time, the boom that is being witnessed by its tourism sector has added more glitter to its diamonds.

QATAR

Qatar is an oil- and gas-rich nation with world’s third largest gas reserves. It has undoubtedly enjoyed the status of being a nation which is world’s largest exporters of petroleum, and has got something more remarkable added to it. The growth in GDP of Qatar has helped it in achieving a new distinction, and that is of being the world’s second fastest growing economy growing at a rate of 12.337 per cent. The economy of Qatar is primarily oil-based. High oil and gas prices have boosted the economy of this Gulf state over the last few years. The per capita income of Qataris stands at $66,100, which in comparative terms makes it, a nation with sixth highest per capita in the world, and still Qataris do not know a phenomenon known as Income Tax .

TURKMENISTAAN

Turkmenistan is also not far away when it comes in terms of being blessed with reserves of natural gas. In this context Turkmenistan stands at the rank of being world’s fourth-largest nation in terms of owning the reserves of natural gas. In present story it has earned slot at number three, due to it being the world’s third fastest growing nation with a GDP growth rate of 12.18 per cent. Although oil and gas is the biggest revenue generator for Turkmenistan, agriculture too accounts for a healthy percentage of its GDP. Citizens in Turkmenistan get 120 liters of petrol free every month for car drivers, while truck/bus drivers get 200 liters of petrol free. Apart from this, electricity too is subsidized for the citizens. Probably, one should not expect beyond this and turn greedy.

CHINA

China, which in this story has earned a slot at number four, also happens to be the world’s fourth fastest growing economy at 9.908% GDP growth rate. In monetary terms, it turns out to be of order of amazing $6 trillion. However, now certain not so desired elements have started to raise their heads. The rising inflation rate in China is a new challenge, which stands in way of growth, of the economy of the country. China’s gross domestic product grew 9.6 per cent in the third quarter as compared to the same period last year. The growth rate slowed down from 11.9 per cent in the first quarter and 10.3 per cent in the second quarter.

 

LIBERIA

Even though, the nation still continues to live with dubious and infamous distinction of being one of the poorest countries on earth; Liberia has recorded robust economic activity in past couple of years. This African nation, despite of all said and done, has managed to steal the fifth rank when it comes to the list of world’s fastest growing economies. The Liberia, now as world’s fifth fastest growing economy has a GDP growth rate of 9.003 per cent. It is a $1.05 billion economy. The nation has rich reserves of iron ore, and also exports rubber. In the last few years, it has been receiving a lot of foreign direct investment which has resulted in higher employment, better infrastructure and spurt in economic activity.

 

————Always Yours — As Usual — Saurabh Singh

THE ARRIVAL OF U. S. S. GEORGE WASHINGTON AIRCRAFT CARRIER IN YELLOW SEA HAS TRANSFORMED INTO A CONUNDRUM FOR CHINA

THE ARRIVAL OF U. S. S. GEORGE WASHINGTON AIRCRAFT CARRIER IN YELLOW SEA HAS TRANSFORMED INTO A CONUNDRUM FOR CHINA

Professor Saurabh Singh‘s comment on International Polity

Scholar of Domain of Knowledge Named Administrative Sciences

Dilemma of nature that may be dubbed as unique in its own kind, i.e,

?        TO SPEAK OR NOT TO SPEAK

ƒ       Should it protest angrily and aggravate ties with Washington, or

ƒ       quietly accept the presence of a key symbol of American military pre-eminence off Chinese shores

?        BACKGROUND

ƒ        The USS George Washington, accompanied by escort ships, is to take part in military drills with South Korea following North Korea’s shelling of a South Korean island.

ƒ        The Shelling on Tuesday is one of the most serious confrontations since the Korean War a half-century ago.

?           IT’S A SCENARIO WHICH CHINA HAS ALWAYS PREVENT

Only four months ago, Chinese officials and military officers shrilly warned Washington against sending a carrier into the Yellow Sea for an earlier set of exercises

Some said it would escalate tensions after the sinking of a South Korean navy ship blamed on North Korea.

Others went further, calling the carrier deployment a threat to Chinese security.

?           CHINESE BELIEVE THAT THEIR OBJECTIONS WORKED

Although Washington never said why, no aircraft carrier sailed into the strategic Yellow Sea, which laps at several Chinese provinces and the Korean peninsula.

This time around, with outrage high over the shelling, the U.S. raising pressure on China to rein in wayward ally North Korea

a Chinese-American summit in the works, the warship is coming, and Beijing is muffling any criticisms.

PROFESSOR MICHAEL RICHARDSON, Commented..,

[A visiting research fellow at Singapore’s Institute of Southeast Asian Studies]

“I think China must be quietly cursing North Korea under their breath.”

“The Scenario can very well be taken as a of the adverse Outcome of North Korea’s most recent belligerence.

Belligerence by NORTH KOREA has transformed in “HOT POTATO IN THE MOUTH SCENARIO***” for CHINA

China, as of now can neither “open the mouth nor Keep it shut”; as regards to deployment of U.S. Naval Ship George Washington, which happens to be a Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier, in the East China Sea,”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman reiterated Beijing’s long-standing insistence that foreign navies obtain its permission before undertaking military operations inside China’s exclusive economic zone, which extends 230 miles (370 kilometers) from its coast.

The statement also reiterated calls for calm and restraint but did not directly mention the Yellow Sea or the planned exercises.

Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid, in an editorial expressed its worries by stating  that a U.S. carrier would upset the delicate balance in the Yellow Sea, [Ignoring the fact that the George Washington has taken part in drills in those waters numerous times before.]

North Korea, not ready to come out of its belligerence, has warned that the U.S.-South Korean military drills were pushing the peninsula to the “brink of war.”

?        A MORE PASSIVE APPROACH SEEMS A BETTER TRADE OFF FOR CHINA

Its credibility with Washington and trading partner South Korea would get a boost

Put North Korea on notice that its actions are wearing China’s patience thin

PROFESSOR ZHU FENG, Director Peking University’s Center for International and Strategic Studies opined:

“The Chinese government is trying to send Pyongyang a signal that, if they continue to be so provocative, China will just leave the North Koreans to themselves.” He added further that “What China should do is make the North Koreans feel that they have got to stop messing around.”

 

CHINA FEARS RESORTING TO TOUGHER ACTIONS AGAINST NORTH KOREA

Chinese administration is of the view that cutting the food and fuel assistance Beijing supplies — would destabilize the isolated North Korean dictatorship, possibly leading to its collapse.

The adverse outcome as a resultant of tougher actions against North Korea may lead to flood of refugees into northeastern China and result in a pro-U.S. government taking over in the North in very recent future.

China may also be mindful of its relations with key trading partner Seoul, strained by Beijing’s reluctance to condemn Pyongyang over the March ship sinking. Raising a clamor over upcoming drills in the wake of a national tragedy would only further alienate South Korea.

CHINA, PERHAPS ARE INTELLEGENT ENOUGH &, WOULD BE AWARE OF THE ACTS THAT MAY MANISFEST, IF MISTAKE AT ANY LEVEL IS COMMITTED, IN FORM OF BENEFICIAL OR  HARMFUL  TO THE INTERESTS OF CHINA.

NEW ERA ON HORIZON TO HAVE RENEWED EXCHANGES WITH WASHINGTON

• President Hu Jintao is scheduled to make a state visit to Washington in January hosted by President Barack Obama — replete with a state dinner and other formal trappings that President George W. Bush never gave the Chinese leader.

• Before that Gen. Ma Xiaotian, one of the commanders who objected to the George Washington’s deployment earlier this year, is due in Washington for defense consultations. Those talks are another step in restoring tattered defense ties, a key goal of the Obama administration.

Thus CHINA at MOMENT could pray alone and practice Restraints on its Defense Policy and Diplomatic Offices.

CHINA could expect some luck also; as it may land up with few sounds reasons to ask USA to pull out it’s Aircraft carrier George Washington far away from Yellow Sea; as it may be gifted some information in the way of wiki leaks.

Whereas USA and South Korea, as on the moment are planning an artillery exercise  as part of the Whole Exercise with USA troops; the North Korea is busy arranging its array of  missiles, blaming that USA awr exercise has put the Korean Peninsula at the brink of War.

 

————-So better wait and watch; even minor laps, on the part of any party may change or dictate; the whole course of global environment in a manner as to alter the path and orbit other than current; and may be to an unthought-of manner or unimagined or unanalyzed till date. The new equation and chapter may take birth to substitute the present equation in International Relations, Trade, Economy & polity.

The discussion in normal context is stopping here for the time being and will be initiated further if set and patterns of variables change due to any reason.

INDIA

I would love to add, before closing, that India till now is required to be on alert but not worried. India has enough might to foil any endeavor having malignancy by any neighboring nation or any lunatic national head. To defend itself, the Mother Nature by itself, has gifted India a number of Cover. Added to that resource gifted to India happens to KNOWLEDGE, which has added glitter gold and is going to perpetually provide India an edge over any other nation, in the form of its human resource, i.e., Citizen of India.

——————Professor Saurabh Singh, Subject Matter: Administrative Sciences; INDIA

[The closing paragraph and few pictures have been added for India Audiences of my Blog, due to their status of fellow citizen.]

*** The Phrase coind by Mr. Saurabh Singh to express a situation in which “one can neither swallo nor omit the things in mouth”.

Always Yourd —  As Usual —- Saurabh Singh

THE DRAGON AND THE ELEPHANT SHOULD TANGO

“THE DRAGON AND THE ELEPHANT SHOULD TANGO,” Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao suggested today.

Wen came up with this quip to emphasise the need for the two Asian giants, whose rivalry has been compared to that between the dragon (China) and elephant (India), to come closer.

Speaking to group of editors and scholars before leaving for Pakistan he said that India and China were partners in cooperation and not rivals.

Wen had warm words of appreciation for his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh describing him as a person “with an open and inclusive mind”.

The Chinese leader mentioned that the Cambridge University had brought out a publication containing speeches by him and Singh whose common theme was the importance of open and inclusive societies.

He distributed copies of that publication with his autograph to those present at the interaction.

Wen mentioned that the Indian Prime Minister had last year sent him a gift package of black tea and in return he had sent Chinese white tea. “That reminds me of how our two countries connect with each other.”

China to provide data of Sutlej river to India

China will provide India with real-time flood data of Sutlej river during monsoon, according to an agreement signed between the two countries.

Under the five year agreement, China will set up a special station in Tibet to monitor rainfall and flood to enable India get advanced warnings.

In turn, India will pay Rs 12 lakh per annum to China. The money will be used by Beijing to maintain the station, sources in the government said.

The flood data will be provided twice every day between June and October every year.

“Since we have five to six hydro electric power projects on the downstream Sutlej, the data will help us operate the projects in a safer environment,” a source said.

Floods in downstream Sutlej have been creating problems on the Indian side.

In July this year, India had renewed a similar agreement with China to get flood data of the Brahmaputra river. The agreement was signed in 2004.

Though China had been providing flood data of the Sutlej, the agreement will help streamline the system, especially during the monsoon season. New Delhi had been paying Rs 12 lakh per annum to China for data of the Brahmaputra.

Always Yours– As Usual — Saurabh Singh

Source: Business Satndard

PEARL HARBOR: Begining of the End of Last Year of Seventh Decade after PEARL HARBOR

PEARL HARBOR

Today on December 07, 2010 Starts the 70 th Year Post a Landmark in History of World War – II having numerous plays, movies, stories, presented in one or other way in context to Pearl Harbor at Hawaii.

The Date, nobody in history of World War two can Forget, was Hawaii tryst with destiny. The place never or its residents never knew that any event of type that occurred on December 07, 1941, was in destiny of pearl Harbor.

Just in an effort to the people who sacrificed their lives, this blogger tries to recollect the event with Photos and words below.

Today across Hawaii everyone, irrespective of religion or faith,  remember sthe events of the day that President Franklin Roosevelt said would “live in infamy.” 69 years ago on this date in 1941 the United States was attacked by Japanese air and naval forces. Besides the utter devastation to warships and military aircraft, over 2,000 Americans died in the attack and the United States was brought into World War II.

Although this is a day to remember the past events of that fateful day, today is also a day of great celebration. This day normally a lot of creative works are announced, launched and implemented by Governments. This year, the new Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is being dedicated. The $58 million facility replaces the former USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center and will better serve the millions of visitors that come to Pearl Harbor.
Let us all “Remember Pearl Harbor” today as we reflect upon what happened 69 years ago:

View looking down “Battleship Row” from Ford Island Naval Air Station, shortly after the Japanese torpedo plane attack. USS California (BB-44) is at left, listing to port after receiving two torpedo hits. In the center are USS Maryland (BB-46) with the capsized USS Oklahoma (BB-37) alongside. USS Neosho (AO-23) is at right, backing clear of the area. Most smoke is from USS Arizona (BB-39). (Navy)

View of the Parade Ground at the Pearl Harbor Marine Barracks, between 0930 and 1130 hrs. on 7 December 1941, with smoke in the background rising from burning ships. Note armed Marines at left, awaiting the possible return of Japanese aircraft. (Navy)

 

Doris Miller, Mess Attendant Second Class, USN (1919-1943) Just after being presented with the Navy Cross by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942. The medal was awarded for heroism on board USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941. (Navy)

 

USS Bennington (CVA-20) Passes the wreck of USS Arizona (BB-39) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Memorial Day, 31 May 1958. Bennington’s crew is in formation on the flight deck, spelling out a tribute to the Arizona’s crewmen who were lost in the 7 December 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Note the outline of Arizona’s hull and the flow of oil from her fuel tanks. (Navy)

 

The forward superstructure and Number Two 14″/45 triple gun turret of the sunken USS Arizona (BB-39), afire after the Japanese raid, 7 December 1941. The foremast is leaning as a result of the collapse of the hull structure below its front leg, following the explosion of the ship’s forward magazines. (Navy)

The capsized hull of USS Oklahoma (BB-37), with a barge alongside to support rescue efforts, probably on 8 December 1941. USS Maryland (BB-46) is at right, and USS California (BB-44) is in the center distance. (Navy)

 

USS Nevada (BB-36) beached and burning after being hit forward by Japanese bombs and torpedoes. Her pilothouse area is discolored by fires in that vicinity. The harbor tug Hoga (YT-146) is alongside Nevada’s port bow, helping to fight fires on the battleship’s forecastle. Note channel marker bouy against Nevada’s starboard side. (Navy)

 

Japanese Navy Type 99 Carrier Bombers (“Val”) prepare to take off from an aircraft carrier during the morning of 7 December 1941. Ship in the background is the carrier Soryu. (Navy)

 

Following Hawaiian tradition, Sailors honor men killed during the 7 December 1941 Japanese attack on Naval Air Station Kaneohe, Oahu. The casualties had been buried on 8 December. This ceremony took place sometime during the following months, possibly on Memorial Day, 31 May 1942. (Navy)

A Marine rifle squad fires a volley over the bodies of fifteen officers and men killed at Naval Air Station Kanoehe Bay during the Pearl Harbor raid. These burial ceremonies took place on 8 December 1941, the day after the attack. (Navy)

 

Master Sgt. John Sieh salutes the flag as F-15 Eagles fly a missing man formation Dec. 7, 2009, during the 68th Remembrance Ceremony at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The ceremony marked the anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, attacks on Pearl Harbor Navy fleet and the Army Air Corps fields of Hickam, Wheeler and Bellows. Sieh is from the 15th Airlift Wing protocol office and the F-15s are from the 199th Fighter Squadron of the Hawaii Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)