Speaking at a session on “Do global businesses need India?“, Mr. Krish Iyer, President & CEO, Walmart India Pvt. Ltd. said that “Ease of doing business in the Indian market is a monumental factor that attracts foreign investors. Opening FDI in 21 sectors, the welcoming attitude of the Chief Ministers in the states of India and the implementation of GST gives India an edge over the rest of the world. Creation of shared value, women’s empowerment and job creation are some of the focus areas for Walmart India”.

“The Indian market is growing at over 6 percent. India’s improving infrastructure which includes both IT and roads present opportunities for global businesses. The products manufactured by India have two major advantages – they meet global standards and are also well priced. The Indian industry can be a major partner in Industry 4.0”, commented Mr. Christian H Kienzle, Chief Executive Officer, ARGO HYTOS Group, while addressing the CII Annual Session 2018 from 8 – 9 April 2018 at New Delhi.

“Japan is looking forward to partnering with India in newer areas of services, FMCG, IT and electronics. The SME sector of India presents many opportunities for partnership. India has a valuable base of engineering resources and affordable human capital”, commented Mr. Kazuya NAKAJO, Chief Director General, JETRO India.

“India is a bright spot for the US owing to its rapid growth, expanding middle class population, and a vibrant start up ecosystem. It is believed that 80 percent of India’s infrastructure is yet to be built. This presents a big opportunity for partnership between India and the US. To finance the massive boom, India needs the infusion of global capital and global technology.” said Ms. Nisha Biswal, President, US – India Business Council.

Speaking on an increase the two way trade between India and the world, Mr. Shishir Priyadarshi, Director, World Trade Organisation said that India is a big market, however, the world market is even bigger. He said that in order to penetrate global markets, the Indians industry must excel in technology and in the other key areas. 

Highlighting the many facets of the current trade scenario of India, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Member of House of Lords spoke about varied scenarios in which global businesses need India, India needs global businesses and the areas in which there is a balance in this demand. He highlighted the partnership between India and JCB which has been mutually symbiotic over a large span of time.

Mr Tarun Das, Former Chief Mentor, CII expressed that the Industry needs to identify how it can go an extra mile and the global businesses must leverage the opportunities that are provided by the Indian economy to the fullest extent.

8 April 2018

New Delhi