Friday, August 25 2006 15:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: The United States Department of Commerce is organising a business development mission to India in November-December to be led by Undersecretary for International Trade Franklin L. Lavin.

Targeted at helping US companies and individuals establish sales and business contacts in India, the mission will be coordinated by the US Commercial Service in the US and India, according to a report on US government website www.export.gov.

Presenting the forthcoming mission to India as a chance for American companies to develop or to hone their existing strategy to tap the booming Indian market, the report said India, the world's fastest growing free-market democracy, offers lucrative opportunities for all types of businesses.

In 2005, US merchandise exports to India were almost $8 billion, double that of 2002.

In the course of the mission, delegates will also participate in the Mumbai Business Summit to be held on Nov 29-30. Participants in that event will have access to India's high-level business, industry and government representatives and opportunities to gain insights into the country's trade and investment climate during strategic breakout sessions.

After the summit, the delegates will join one of six spin-off business matchmaking missions to Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, or New Delhi on Dec 4-5. This leg will be aimed at helping delegates get serious about doing business in India.

Delegates who attend the Mumbai Business Summit and participate in one of the six spin-off missions may also request a day of business appointments in Mumbai on Dec 1 before proceeding to the spin-off missions.

The US Commercial Service will arrange market briefings, networking receptions, and business appointments with prospective agents, distributors, partners, and end-users for each US company.