Overall, this makes India a huge market for many years to come. There is already a large demand for goods such as consumer goods companies. A demand that has defied the down- turn in the economy very well and this is because very few people in India have been affected by the financial sector's deceleration. This is mainly due to the fact that private investments in areas such as share trades are uncommon.

Areas that are considered attractive for investments for a long time to come are infrastructure, health care, fast-moving consumer products, food, agricultural and industrial training.

These are key business areas involved in an increasing extent when the domestic market is growing in economic importance to the GDP development, which during 2008 - 2009 increased by 5 percent.

Some advices on the way to an establishment in India.

To establish a company in the world's largest democracy takes time, and expect hard work before the first transaction can be celebrated. But if you succeed, you may expect one of the world's largest markets, where the growing middle class continually demand new products and services, and that will reduce the Indian exports significantly.

The company should be represented with a local presence, when plans and appointments can be changed at short notice. That is why you should not be in a different country than India when establishing business there.

Accept that the negotiation process in a business often goes in three steps.
Negotiation on price, discounts and agreements with a person, but this does not mean that the deal is complete. The one you have concluded agreements with then forwards to the next person who has additional power. This person usually starts over, on the basis of the first agreement.

Then, it is the same procedure again. So to discount sharply at the first meeting is not strategic. Remember to plan price reduction for the three negotiating steps, since in India it is culturally important that all parties are satisfied with the conclusion.

At a final agreement, be prepared for immediate delivery, or get ready to push the delivery time as this is expected by the customer.

How to behave in India:

• The hierarchy is strong, focus on the manager, usually the one who asks the questions.

• Talk about Cricket, and then you will create a good atmosphere.

• Avoid policies in all contexts

• Never show a map of India that could be seen as wrong when there are disputed regions described as "No Man's Land".

                                                                                         Tony Harkén