Business trip to New Delhi, India
New Delhi is lndia’s capital city and the most prosperous state of the 28 states of which the Republic of India consists. It has become the heart of trade, commerce and industry in the northern region. The growth of service industries like information technology, telecommunications, hotels, banking, media and tourism and the benefit of a large high skilled English-speaking workforce in New Delhi has attracted many multinational companies making it a major service sector. New Delhi’s manufacturing industry has also grown remarkably giving rise to many consumer goods and small-scale industries with engineering, clothing, chemicals and electronics being already predominant.
The city’s rich consumer market, coupled with advanced physical infrastructure and high rate of urbanization forms its foreign investment strength. As a resourceful city, Delhi has a high migration rate that makes it one of the fastest growing cities in the world.
Read more...The economy of New Delhi has shown tremendous growth over the past few years. Delhi has a strong and vibrant economy which is quite vivid from its Gross Domestic Product. According to an economic survey of New Delhi in the years 2000-2001, New Delhi’s GDP was about 478 billion INR and the per capita income of 38.860 INR (€ 570). The annual economic growth rate of Delhi was almost 10%. Taking out some excerpts from the economic survey of New Delhi, the tertiary sector contributed to over 78% of Delhi’s GDP with secondary and primary sectors contributing about 20% and 1,4% respectively.
The tertiary sector basically comprises of service sectors like trade, real estate, hotels, restaurants, financing, banking, insurance, business services and other service centered industries. The contribution from this industry increased from just over 70% in the year 1993-94 to 78.39% for the year 2000-2001. Thanks to the flexible and investor friendly policies of the government.
One of the main reasons behind New Delhi’s growth, is for instance that Delhi has always been the market place of Northern India and has various industries like textile, handloom, arts and crafts. New Delhi also is an important trade route between Punjab and Gangetic plains, which makes it an important trade center and manufacturing hub.
The growth in New Delhi’s economy can also be attributed to the fact that several new industries have evolved over the years and contributing to Delhi’s industrial growth. These industries include jewellery, export, embroidery, silver vases, textile, fashion, corporate industries, Business Process Outsourcing, IT, information technology enabled service and many others. The city’s economy is primarily dependent on these industries and the expansion of the service industry of the city adds to the overall GDP growth.
Delhi is poor in raw materials and has limited mineral resources. However, deposits of building & road making materials and China clay are found in some parts of the city. The building and road making material comprises sand, stone and bajri. The quartzite rock available on the ridge is very useful for the manufacturing of stone wares and buildings. Kaolim is used as a principal raw material for refactory industries and fire clay for brick manufacture and china ware.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- 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.
India is a land of economic growth and opportunity. India’s sustained growth of around 8% in 2008 and growing dynamism in several of its regional markets have created wide and diverse business prospects for exporters and investors. Multinationals are sold on India and are expanding and deepening their market penetration. Multiple firms with advanced and niche-market products and services are entering the market for the first time, or are replacing legacy distributors appointed in the slow-growth past with more capable and aggressive representatives.
Many smaller companies have begun to view India as a top anchor market for their products and services as well. The marked rise of import into India, the daily business press announcements, the rapidly expanding demand for Commercial Service India matchmaking programs and due diligence services, and the many business development trade missions visiting India all point to India being open for business.
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.
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The international airport of New Delhi is currently being renovated thoroughly. Work is underway on a new terminal, which should be ready in 2010 and will increase the airport’s capacity to almost 40 million passengers a year. This is not the end of the extensions, more runways and terminals have been planned to further increase capacity, up to 100 million passengers a year in 2026.
Address
New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport
’Udaan Bhawan’, Terminal 1B
Indira Gandhi International Airport
New Delhi-110 037
India
Telephone: + 91(0)11 25661000 (T1)
+ 91(0)11 25662000 (T2)
www.newdelhiairport.in
Airport codes
IATA airport code: DEL
ICAO airport code: VIDP
Lost property
All the unclaimed property found in the terminals & its vicinity, apron, car park etc. are deposited in the office of Airport Manager of respective terminal. After next 24 working hours, lost property is deposited in Materials Management Department, Delhi International Airport Private Limited. The claimant should be in possession of photo-copy of boarding card/ticket & Identity card or may send a person duly (along with identity proof) authorized to collect the property on his behalf. Any queries on the same you can email: feedback.igiairport@gmrgroup.in.
Terminal info
IGI Airport has the following terminals:
Terminal 1A - Domestic departures for Air India * & Air India Regional (former Indian Airlines and Alliance Air), Go Air, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines.
Terminal 1D - Domestic departures for Indigo, Kingfisher Airlines, Kingfisher Red, Go Air, Jet Airways, Jetlite, SpiceJet and Paramount Airways.
Terminal 1C - All domestic arrivals
Terminal 2 - All international flights operate from Terminal 2. Departures are on the upper level of the terminal building and Arrivals on the lower level.
Connectivity from the airport
Bus
There is a bus to the center every 25 minutes, travel time is approximately 50 minutes. Luxury buses with air-conditioning depart from the International Terminal. There are two bus companies: Delhi Transport Corporation (green-yellow buses) and EATS (white-blue buses), both companies have their final destination at New Delhi Railway Station, tickets can be bought and a fixed seat can be booked at a desk in the Arrivals Hall.
Taxi
You can find the taxis in front of the Arrivals Hall. The city’s biggest taxi company is EasyCabs (tel: +91(0)11 4343 4343), at the end of the ride you will be handed a receipt with the number of kilometers driven, make sure to check this receipt! The official rate is 15 rupees per kilometer. In addition, there is a desk of the Delhi Traffic Police, where you can buy a ticket for a fixed price, which you hand to the driver at the end of the ride.
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to New Delhi.
One of the most convenient ways to travel in Delhi is a relatively new `radio taxi’ service. This is a relatively new service in India. These are air-conditioned cabs- metered cabs. You are charged by the kilometer. The rate is a flat Rs 15/ km, and your billing starts once you set off from your location. You are not charged for the distance the cab covered to reach you. The cab drivers have had a background check, and go thru specific training. A night surcharge of 25% is applicable between 11pm and 5am. They also have packages with fixed rates for airport drops/ pick ups. Alternately, you can engage a cab on a distance-hourly usage package.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Mega Cab | 41414141 |
| Delhi Cab | 44333222 |
| Easy Cab | 43434343 |
| Quick Cab | 45333333 |
| ForShe Cabs | 45628200 |
Nirula’s Potpourri Restaurant
To give joyful moments to generations through delicious and affordable, Indian and International choices in fun-filled and friendly environment by innovative and passionate people.
N-64, Ist Floor Outer Circle Connaught Place
New Delhi - 110001.
Call : +91-11-41517070
www.nirulas.com
Ashok Chaat Bhandar
At Ashok’s, the main ingredients are pepper, black salt and roasted zeera. Some of the masalas used are closely-guarded secrets - which the owners of Ashok refuse to divulge despite all my teary-eyed entreaties.
3611, Chowk Hauz Qazi
Delhi-110006
Phone : 011-23827740
Restaurant Aqua
AQUA at The Park, New Delhi offers a glamorous al fresco experience. A landscaped garden terrace opens directly from the 24-hour restaurant Mist offering a variety of outdoor dining experiences. It has been designed as a cool, classical white outdoor space with an iridescent blue pool. This is an unusual choice for dining during a business trip, but it is fun!
The Park
15, Parliament Street
New Delhi-110001
Phone : 011-23743000
www.theparkhotels.com
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to New Delhi.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to New Delhi it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for New Delhi.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Shanti Home New Delhi
Close to the metro lines and within easy reach of major tourism and business venues, which is very convenient during a busy business trip, the Shanti Home New Delhi offers a good solution for many types of travelers to the region. The Connaught Place shopping complex is within minutes of the grounds, and dozens of lovely parks dot the neighborhood too.
A-1/300 Janakpuri
New Delhi, India
More info about Shanti Home New Delhi
Clark Green Hotel New Delhi
Only minutes from the airport and a short commute to the business district, the Clark Green Hotel New Delhi is a good hotel in New Delhi for business and leisure travelers alike. It is convenient to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the famous India Gate, Rajpath Avenue, the Laxminarayan Temple, and the heavily visited Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
G1 Pushpanjli Farms Dwarka Link Road Bijwasan
New Delhi, India
More info about Clark Green Hotel New Delhi
Claridges Hotel New Delhi
This New Delhi hotel is situated in the heart of New Delhi, near a range of popular attractions and sights. The Claridges Hotel New Delhi puts guests in close proximity to popular shopping facilities such as Connaught Place and Karol Bagh. The hotel is also located near Rashtrapati Bhawan. A variety of restaurants are also located near the hotel as well.
12 Aurangzeb Road
New Delhi, India
More info about Claridges Hotel New Delhi
Already since the middleage Delhi has been the most important center for trade in Northern India. Many of its district names, like Sheikh Sarai and Yusuf Sarai, are derived from the ancient trading towns of Delhi. Nowadays, the markets are interchanged with numerous shopping complexes, hubs and whole sale markets scattered all over the Delhi city.
Shopping is always a favourit activity during a business trip to New Delhi. There are many typical Indian gifts to buy, such as jewelry, carpets, handicrafts, precious stones, silks and silver ware, summarized all recognized with India. Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk are the main shopping areas. Baba Kharak Singh Marg, near Parliament Street is dotted with multiple large stores, offering the famous handicraft artifacts of the different states of India. All under one roof at government-controlled prices.
The eyecatcher of Delhi market is that every shopping hub has its own ambience and specialty. The 13th century monuments of Hauz Khas Village, the victorian architecture of Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk, once the grandest of the markets in India, are all unique and have their own special attractions, yet each of them presents an appearance of this historical city. To get to know the real culture and traditions of city, the best way is to stroll or wander around through its market places, for it is here that contemporary culture is most visible to the visitors. Here you will find the perfect gifts for your loved ones when your return from a business trip to New Delhi.
Lotus Temple
One of the most impressive buildings under modern architecture is the Bahá’í House of Worship, also known as the Lotus Temple. This temple attracts about 4 million visitors a year. When you want to know more about the Bahá’í faith you can visit the Information Centre which is an exhibition that provides information on different facets of the Bahá’í Faith in the form of photographs, written texts and film.
Lal Qila (Red Fort)
The impressive complex was built in the mid-17th century and during its heydays it was home to 3000 people. The fort was constructed as a miniature city. Within the walls you will find gardens, public meeting halls, palaces and a mosque, as well as living quarters. The fort’s original market area is now lined with kiosks selling souvenirs. The small museum onsite displays weapons, games, textiles and household items from that period. After the sun sets there is a spectacular sound and light show above the fort.
Lodi Gardens
This beautiful park is cherished with Delhi-ites of all ages. People from all fields of business stroll around here during their lunch hour and mothers with their children picnic and play on the green grass, in the shade of huge lush trees. Numerous decorative tombs and a gracefully decorated bridge are spread around throughout the park. In the evenings, the tombs are lit and it is especially an amazing sight.
National Gandhi Museum
If you have some time to spare during your business trip to New Delhi, visit this museum!The origin of this Museum goes back to the period soon after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on the fateful evening of January 30, 1948, with the slow process of scouting for, collecting and preserving the personal relics, manuscripts, books, journals and documents, photographic and audio-visual material, all that could go into a Museum on the life, philosophy and work of Gandhiji. All the material was finally brought to its present new and permanent home, most appropriately built opposite the SAMADHI of Mahatma Gandhi, India’s most revered place of pilgrimage, at Rajghat, New Delhi, in 1959.
Before you go on your business trip to New Delhi, India you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage. Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered. Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident. The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance. Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don’t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| Service | Phone number |
| All emergencies from GSM | 112 |
| Police | 100 |
| Medical | 108 |
| Fire | 101 |
For medical emergencies you can contact the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
- Toll free No: 1800111612
- Toll free No: 1066
- Ambulance Services (Direct No. 26825555, 26925888)
More info on www.apollohospdelhi.com
All visitors to India need to obtain visa for India, prior to arrival. The only exceptions are citizens from the neighbouring countries Nepal and Bhutan.
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)
