Architecture, Construction and Engineering Matchmaker Trade Delegation
Export Promotion Services Matchmaker Program, in cooperation with Architect Institute of America (AIA), American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC), and American General Contractors Association (AGCA) is organizing a Matchmaker Trade Delegation to New Delhi and Mumbai, April 20-24, 1998. This event is planned to follow up on Secretary Daley's trade mission to India, December 1997. The Matchmaker will be promoted to companies in the engineering and enginerring consulting field, architects, and related companies. The delegation will be led by Sam Dhir, Project Officer, Matchmaker Program.
U.S. industry enjoys an excellent reputation for developing infrastructure in emerging markets around the world. India, a big emerging market (BEM), offers excellent opportunities. As an integral part of its policy of liberalization and economic resurgence, the Government of India has initiated various steps to expand and upgrade the infrastructure to meet the country's burgeoning demands. Prior to 1991, Indian infrastructure was controlled by the public sector and government departments. As a part of the economic reforms, private participation in infrastructure is actively sought and encouraged. The requirement for development of infrastructure are huge, making for tremendous investment opportunities. The estimated investment required over the next ten years in urban infrastructure, power, telecommunications, roads, industrial parks and ports is estimated at U.S. $400 billion.
Liberalization and the concomitant economic and industrial growth in India has resulted in greater demands on all infrastructure industries. Development and modernization of the infrastructure network has become necessary to support the sustainable economic growth. The massive investment required to modernize and expand the infrastructure framework has resulted in liberal policies and attractive incentives for foreign and domestic private capital.
The mission goal is to help the new-to-market U.S. companies explore the potential in this BEM and participate in its development by establishing suitable joint venture relationships with Indian partners.
The mission will visit New Delhi, and Mumbai (Bombay) during the week of April 20-24, 1998. The Commercial Service in India will provide an extensive market briefing and arrange group appointments with relevant government officials and one-on-one appointments with prescreened businesses contacts. A reception will be held in New Delhi and Mumbai(Bombay) so that members can meet with the key officials of the host government/ industry in an informal setting.
The Matchmaker will follow the following itinerary:
New Delhi April 20-21, 1998
Mumbai(Bombay) April 22-24. 1998
Optional Gold Keys will be arranged in Calcutta, Chenai, or Banglore April 13-17, 1998 prior to the official start of the Matchmaker for any interested companies
Matchmaker promotion will include but not be limited to the following venues: the District Office and Teams; Business America Magazine; relevant trade publications; the cooperating industry associations ; past Matchmaker and Commerce trade mission participants; various in-house and purchased industry lists. The Matchmaker will also be listed in the Federal Register and on ITA's Internet home page.
Recruitment will begin December 1, 1997 and will close February 27, 1998, six weeks prior to the start of the mission.
Any partisan political activities of an applicant, including political contribution, will be entirely irrelevant to the selection process.
Sam Dhir, Project Officer
Matchmaker Trade Delegation Program
U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 2810
Washington, D.C. 20230
Tel: 202-482-4756
Fax: 202-482-0178
email: SDhir1@doc.gov