India, a country thriving with cultures, religions and economies. Travel with the Trade Alliance and learn more about this dynamic place.
2006 Business & Trade Mission to India
Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi
November 26 – December 6, 2006
Purpose of Mission:
The purpose of this mission is to promote the Greater Seattle as a world-class business center region, its ports, and education resources. Business representatives, as well as education, port, and government officials from the Greater Seattle region will have the opportunity to establish relationships and facilitate closer commercial ties with this dynamic economy. More specific objectives of the mission include:
- To enhance knowledge of the current economic conditions and businesses opportunities India;
- To enable business delegates to meet specific business objectives, ranging from exposure to market opportunities to making individual contacts;
- To develop & expand relationships between the business, government and multiplier organizations in our region, and those of India;
- Provide private-sector delegates with an opportunity to assess and explore specific business opportunities.
Proposed Mission Itinerary (13 days total):
Travel days Routing/Program
Day 1-2 (Fri-Sat) Depart Seattle; arrive Mumbai
Day 3 (Sun) Mumbai
Day 4-6 (Mon-Wed) Mumbai
Day 7-8 (Wed-Sat) Bangalore
Day 9-12 (Sat-Tues) New Delhi / Agra
Day 13 (Wed) New Delhi Seattle
Why India?
India is a mixture of cultures, religions and economies, making it an important country for the Greater Seattle region to examine. The largest democracy in the world and second-largest country (second only to China in population), India has moved onto the world stage in the last ten years, buoyed by success in information technology, a strategic location and the benefits of expanding globalization. The World Bank ranks India’s GDP of $692 billion at 10th place from their previous 12th place ranking for 2004, surpassing Korea and Mexico. It is an ancient country full of youth, with 33 percent of Indians under the age of 15 years. India also has a growing middle class making it an important current and future trading partner for our region, with Washington exports totaling $306.9 million in 2004. Top export commodities from Washington State to India are transportation equipment, computers and electronic products and wood/paper products. Many small to medium sized companies from the Greater Seattle region have significant business interests in India and some are already actively doing business with the country. Boeing and Microsoft also have established relationships in India and Bill Gates recently announced that Microsoft will invest $1.7 billion in India over the next 4 years further increasing Greater Seattle’s ties with India.
This mission will be the 2nd in ten years that the Trade Development Alliance and the Greater Seattle region have visited India. The mission in December of 1996 was a successful visit with meetings which lead to initial partnerships and activities with the three major cities we plan to visit again in fall 2006. The Seattle region has a large professional Indian community in industries such as software and aviation. This follow-up mission will continue to establish and foster business and trade relationships between India and the Greater Seattle area.
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the economic powerhouse and financial center of India. Mumbai is the most populous city in India with an estimated population of about 16.4 million people. The city, which has a deep natural harbor, is also the largest port in Western India and acts as the principal gateway to Southern India.
Bangalore, a city with a population of 5.7 million people is regarded as one of the country’s most progressive cities. Bangalore became the science and technology center in India, and home to many multinational corporations. The city is known to be India’s own Silicon Valley and has been a software center for decades. Over half of India’s software exports come from Bangalore and technology parks are many and spread throughout the city.
New Delhi, as India’s capital, is a political and business hub and home to many foreign expatriates. The city has a population of 12.7 million people. Key industries in New Delhi include information technology, telecommunications, banking and life-sciences. New Delhi is second to Bangalore in India’s IT and IT enabled services exports. New Delhi has also become the host for many consumer goods industries which have established manufacturing facilities and headquarters.
We welcome your comments and suggestions on this mission. Registration for this mission is now closed. For more information, please contact “A” Boungjaktha at 206-389-7289 or by email at [email protected].
