The myriad of commercial opportunities that India offers to Maltese entrepreneurs wishing to do business in the country were highlighted during a seminar organised by Malta Enterprise and which was attended by around 30 entrepreneurs operating in a wide range of sectors.
The High Commissioner of India to Malta H.E. Anil Trigunayat said that India's economy - which is among those registering the highest growth rates in the world and managed to do so even during the global economic crisis - offers all kind of opportunities.
He noted that whilst up to some decades ago the economy was dependent on agriculture and is still the major employment provider, the manufacturing and services industries have now grown to become the largest contributors to the economy.
Whilst offering the High Commission's assistance to anyone wishing to do business in India, Mr Trigunayat also offered some tips and gave some practical insights on the ways of doing business in the country.
He augured that the commercial relationship between the two countries would grow even further and in this sense also pledged to organise a business delegation from India to Malta in the coming months.
This was echoed by the Malta Enterprise representatives addressing the seminar, Chief Officer for Trade, Investment and Enterprise Support Joe Schembri and Head of Institutional Affairs Philo Meli, who also spoke about the initiatives the Corporation is taking to support trade and investment between the two countries.
Amongst others, Malta Enterprise has an Office in Mumbai from where the Regional Leader responsible for the market may offer on-the-ground assistance to entrepreneurs wishing to do business in India.
Additionally, Malta Enterprise has recently hosted a delegation of Indian journalists with the aim of generating further awareness about Malta in the country and is planning the organisation of business delegations in the coming months.
Second only to China in terms of the size of its population, India is the fourth largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity and is today one of the most exciting emerging markets in the world, with an investment policy that has been formulated to encourage FDI in the country.
Its major industries include pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, ICT and software, entertainment and media, commercial services, textiles, chemicals, food processing, transport equipment, cement and mining, amongst others.