Business trip to Kolkata, India

• Communication:
  The official language of India is Hindi with English as a secondary official language. Most of the schools have English as medium of instruction.
  The Indians are very hierarchical, so greet the eldest or most senior person first. Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
  Indians are not direct, they prefer subtlety to directness. Also they don’t like the word "no". When you get an affirmative answer but they stay vague about the specific details, the result be a "no".
  Never interrupt somebody.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute. But except that your meeting can be cancelled or postponed at the last minute.
  Shake hands with everyone of the same gender upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  Agenda’s are strictly followed.
  Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned.
  First appointments are mainly socially oriented, Indians would like to know you a bit better at first. A third party introduction could be good to get trust.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter or an e-mail with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little. Remember that muslims do not drink alcohol.
  If making a toast, stand up.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  There is a possibility that you have to eat with your hands. You always eat with your right hand, with or without utensils.
  After finishing eating, leave some food on your plate to indicate that you are full.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

Economic expansion in India today is being rewritten by India’s highly entrepreneurial and rapidly globalizing private sector. Indian firms are investing in infrastructure projects, growing their advanced manufacturing capabilities, and inventing in new volume-based business models that results into rising incomes and consumption in towns and rural economies across the country. Whether it is consumer goods and services, high technology and industrial goods, healthcare, r infrastructure development, Indian firms are commanding about their economy and are eager for commercial and joint venture partnerships, technologies, brands, services, and know-how.

In fact, the pace of the foreign trade and investment relationship with India is accelerating. Advanced technologies, including aerospace, specialized materials, information and communications technologies, electronics and flexible manufacturing systems underpinned this growth.

In terms of long-range economic forecasts, some major consultancies project that more than 400 million people, a full 40% of the population, will enter India’s middle class over the next 15 to 20 years. One noted firm expects India to have and sustain the fastest growth rate in the world by 2011. Another well-known consultancy believes that India will become the 3rd largest economy in the world in 2032. India’s "demographic dividend" (71% of the population is under the age of 35, and the avarage age is 25) will ensure that that India retains strong production and knowledge-based competitiveness for many years to come.

Though these numbers are impressive, barriers to trade and investment remain in India. Thanks to economic reforms introduced in the early 1990’s, Indian tariffs have been progressively reduced. However, additional reform is widely recognized as necessary for continued economic growth at recent levels in India, and it is anticipated. While poor infrastructure and high tariffs present the biggest obstacles to foreign investment and growth, India’s infrastructure requirements also present trade and investment opportunities for American companies. Strategic planning, due diligence, consistent follow-up, and perhaps most importantly, patience and commitment are all prerequisites to successful business. The Indian sub-continent necessitates multiple marketing efforts that address differing regional opportunities, standards, languages, cultural differences, and levels of economic development. Gaining access to India’s markets requires careful analysis of consumer preferences, existing sales channels, and changes in distribution and marketing practices, all of which are continually evolving.

Product tip: When you love to read, consider an e-reader! When you love to read, you should consider buying an e-reader. The main advantages of these devices are portability, readability of their screens in bright sunlight, and long battery life. An e-book can be purchased, downloaded and used immediately, whereas when one buys a book one has to go to a bookshop, or wait for a delivery.

Address
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
Telephone: 033 2511 8787
www.airportsindia.org.in

Airport codes
IATA airport code: CCU
ICAO airport code: VECC

The airport has a domestic terminal, an international terminal and a cargo terminal. The airport is now undergoing a renovation, initiated by the Airports Authority of India, which is currently building a fourth terminal for the airport, to accommodate the massive increase in passenger volume during the past years. The modernisation plan also includes the lengthening of the runways.

Subway
Metro Railway, Kolkata is the first underground Metro Railway in India. The Metro Railway runs between Dum Dum near the airport and the city centre every 10-15 minutes from early morning until around 22:00h. in the evening. Buses go via the Dum Dum train and metro stations.

Taxi
Taxis are available outside the terminals. Pre-paid taxis can be booked from a counter in the arrivals area.

You can easily avail taxis from the nearby taxi stand and for the benefit of the people every area in Kolkata has its own taxi stand. Recently electronic meters have been introduced to the taxis and cabs of Kolkata to stop malpractice by the drivers of taxis and cabs in Kolkata. These meters are the proof of authenticity, so check the meter before you take the cab.

Raj Restaurant
Raj Restaurant is a pure vegetarian restaurant, they serve South Indian food made of freshest ingredients made by some of the finest and experienced chefs.
Forum Mall Branch
10/3 Elgin Road, 5th Floor
Kolkata - 700 026
Tel:+(91)-(33) 3093 1846
www.rajrestaurant.com.sg

Mainland China
The restaurant chain serves authentic cuisine from the major provinces of China. Mainland China enjoys an unparalleled brand equity and is revered for the fine dining experience it provides.
South City Mall, S-313
3rd Floor, 375 Prince Anwar Shah Road
Kolkata.
Tel : (033) 64578361
www.mainlandchinaindia.com

Chinoiserie
At Chinoiserie, grand oriental décor with Pagoda sitting is the perfect complement for Cantonese and Szechwan delicacies. Peking duck and scallops are signature dishes. If you are on a business trip to Kolkata, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Taj Bengal Hotel
34B, Belvedere Road
Alipore, Kolkata - 700 027
India.
Tel: (91-33) 22233939
www.tajhotels.com

Taj Bengal Hotel Kolkata
The Taj Bengal Hotel Kolkata is located approximately 12 miles away from the international airport. There are numerous rail links within the center of the city. The rooms at this establishment are equipped with modern conveniences. Direct-dial telephone service, satellite television service, wireless Internet connectivity and coffeemakers are all standard amenities at the Taj Bengal Hotel Kolkata.
34B Belvedere Road Alipore
Kolkata, India
More info about Taj Bengal Hotel Kolkata

Hyatt Regency Hotel Kolkata
Guests of the Hyatt Regency Hotel Kolkata will find the establishment located approximately 5 miles away from the airport. There is also rail transit nearby. Floor-to-ceiling windows are provided in every room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Kolkata. Among the in-room amenities are Internet access, king-size beds and teak flooring. The rooms are also provided with private baths which are stocked with toiletries courtesy of the establishment.
Ja 1, Sector 3
Kolkata, India
More info about Hyatt Regency Hotel Kolkata

Oberoi Grand Hotel Kolkata
The Kolkata International Airport is located approximately 11 miles from the Oberoi Grand Hotel Kolkata. Guests may also make use of the rail stations near the hotel. The rooms at the Oberoi Grand Hotel Kolkata are provided with modern amenities. There are work desks, fax machines and Internet connections available in every room. The rooms also have satellite television service included among their standard amenities.
15 Jawaharlal Nehru Road
Kolkata, India
More info about Oberoi Grand Hotel Kolkata

Shopping in Kolkata is more or less like a treasure hunt being dotted with shops, shops at the corners of the streets, in supermarkets, shopping arcades, multiplexes, underground markets, open air markets and without doubts - the street vendors. The shops in Kolkata sell anything that has a price. Novelties, garments, appliances, antiquities, arts and crafts, flowers, cosmetics, various food items, confectionery, electronic goods, jewellery, fabrics, perfumes, footwear, books, etc., make up the popular amenities on sale.

The treasure hunt in Kolkata takes down the alleys and into the popular markets, most of which are in the heart of the city. The renowned places as such include Chowringhee Road, Sudder Street, Shakespeare Sarani, Bowbazar, College Street, Salt Lake City, Kidderpore, Dharamtala, Camac Street. Most of these are general markets and sell all the amenities. At Chowringhee there is Central Cottage Industries Emporium merchandising in crafts. The Hogg Market which is the oldest market in the city has several blocks. The New Market that constitutes one of these blocks has, as speciality clothes, footwear and jewellery. Bertram Street Market provides leather goods, jewellery, garments, toys, flowers, confectionery and fabric. The open air complex at Dakhinapan mainly houses state government outlets. It is the best place to buy hand looms and handicraft articles. The Shreeram Arcade and Treasure Island, likewise, are happening places for the shoppers. These markets are new entries and house great collections of apparels and music. One more treasure spot is the Vardaan Market. The air conditioned market provides outlets to various domestic and foreign brands.

Birla Planetarium
The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is not only the largest in India, but also in South-East Asia. The planetarium holds shows about the different discovered and undiscovered planets and stars of the galaxy and the Milky Way. The shows are so nice that the spectators feel as if they are in space. A visit to this place is a must if you are coming for a business trip to Kolkata.

Indian Museum
The largest museum in India is the Indian Museum in Kolkata. It is large, situated in central Kolkata, close to the Oberoi Grand Hotel. The museum is has collections in a broad variety. You will find information about insects, the different eras of evolution, the evolution of man, rare and old coins of kings and emperors. You will find the ancient egyptian arts and crafts, mummies, different kinds of rare stones and also skeletons of dinosaurs and primitive animals. It is really a great experience! If you have enough time for sightseeing during your business trip to Kolkata, I would recommended you to visit it.

Kali Temple
The Kali or Kalighat temple in its present form is about 200 years old, although it has been referred to in Mansar Bhasan composed in the 15th century, and in Kavi Kankan Chandi of the 17th century. Legend says that a devotee discovered a luminant ray of light coming from the Bhagirathi river bed, and upon investigating its source came upon a piece of stone carved in the form of a human toe. He also found a Syayambhu Lingam of Nakuleshwar Bhairav nearby, and started worshipping Kaali in the midst of a thick jungle. This shrine grew to its present form over a period of time, thanks to the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family of Bengal. This family is also said to have built the Chitreswari Kaali temple at Chitpur. It is believed that there was a pathway through the jungle between Chitpur and Kalighat, and this pathway is said to have become the Chitpur road of Kolkata

For medical help you can turn to the Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata
Address:
No. 58, Canal Circular Road
Kolkata-700 054
West Bengal
Phone: +91 33 2320 304

The emergency ward can be reached on 1066(toll free).

For a business visa the requirements are:

• Guarantee letter from company registered in your country.
• Invitation letters from registered Indian Companies located in India.

The fees for the visa is in Euros:

• € 50 (6 months validity)
• € 80 (1 year validity)
• € 160 (5 years validity)