• GDP: US$1.1 trillion (2007 estimate).
• 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 and UK.

Advanced technology initiatives, such as digital communications and space research, contrast with the poverty that persists, particularly in rural areas. Roughly three-fifths of the population is 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. 

India ranks among the top ten in the world by gross national product. The economy has resumed its healthy growth rate, currently at around 8.5% per annum, while inflation is at 5.9%. The unemployment rate hovers around 7.2%. Further improvements to the national infrastructure and basic services are now seen as the priority for central and regional governments.

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

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1730, Sat 0930-1300.

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.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
Corporate Office, 1, Community Centre Zamrudpur, Kailash Colony, New Delhi 110 048, India
Tel: (011) 4655 0555.
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