Comprehensive Delhi Business Directory
Dedicated to providing resources and advancement services for Delhi India's smaller businesses
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 When people think of businesses in India, especially people in the west, they think of software engineers and IT companies. India is a country with many needs and many entrepreneurs operating very small businesses to meet those needs. Many such hard working business owners barely eek out a living. Delhi, besides being the seat of the Central Government, has an economy supported by agriculture, tourism, commerce and a growing industry. With the development of infrastructure facilities, Delhi plays host to a number of national and international events including sports - related events, conferences and seminars. Delhi (28° 38' N, 77° 10' E) is the third largest city in India. Its multi - layered existence is tantalizing, and can entice the curious traveller into a fascinating journey of discovery. Delhi is one of the most historic capitals in the world and two of its monuments- the Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb - have been declared World Heritage Sites. It is also one of the greenest capitals. For the visitor, it serves as a perfect introduction to the cultural wealth, the complexities and dynamism of India. Spread over an area of about 1485 sq. km at an altitude of 216 m above mean sea level and with a population of 10.1 million, Delhi is the third largest city. Main languages spoken in Delhi are Hindi, Punjabi and English. During Conference time (first fortnight of April) temperature is generally expected to be varying from 25 to 35 degree Celsius with relative humidity less than 50%. The city consists of two parts - Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of India between 17th and 19th centuries. In Old Delhi one will find many mosques, monuments and forts relating to India's Islamic history. New Delhi, the imperial city was created as the capital of India by the British. In addition to its historic interest and role as the government center, Delhi is a major travel gateway. Delhi, the capital of India, has always occupied a strategic position in the country's histor. Delhi, is today, one of the fastest growing cities of India. Some quick facts about Delhi:
Normally all offices are operational from 10.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Bank working hours are 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on weekdays and 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. on Saturdays. The Indian Rupee consists of a 100 paise. Most foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be changed into Indian Rupees at the airport, hotels, banks and Conference / Exhibition venues. Foreign delegates are required to pay their hotel bills in foreign currency. As on December 6, 2004 the exchange rate was USD 1 = Indian Rupees 42.55. Credit cards, such as American Express, Visa and Master Cards are widely accepted in hotels, major shops and restaurants. For speedy clearance through customs, all delegates are advised to come through the green channel, unless they have dutiable articles such as electronics, gold jewellery etc. Upon arrival in India, visitors should give the custom authorities a written undertaking on a Tourist Baggage re-export form, which states that you will carry back all high value articles at the time of exit. Line voltage is 220 volts AC/50 Hz. 5 Star hotels provide 110-volt plug point outlets also. Video-cassettes operate on VHS-PAL-SECAM System. India, known around the world for its exquisite spicy food, is a gastronomic delight. International cuisine such as Continental, Chinese, etc. prepared to suit palates from across the world are easily available at excellent hotels and restaurants in the capital city and other metros. The choice of vegetarian food in India is unlimited. Delhi is on the map of major International Airlines. Indian Airlines, private airlines and Indian Railways link Delhi to all major places in India. In addition to a valid passport, all visitors require a visa which may be obtained from the Indian Embassy / High Commission / Consulate in the country of the visitor. "Visa on arrival" is not granted in India and passengers not having a valid visa are liable to be deported. For obtaining visa, if you need invitation letter for Congress, please write to Congress Secretariat well in advance and make a specific request. Multiple entry visa should be required for entry to neighbouring countries - Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh or Nepal and re-entering India. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travellers' cheques a tourist may bring into India provided he makes a declaration in the Currency Declaration Form given to him on arrival. Citizens of all countries require a valid national passport or valid travel documents and valid visa granted by Indian Missions abroad for entering India. Restrictions on Export of Articles: Export of all wild animals indigenous to the country and articles made from such listed animals like skins, pelts, furs, ivory, rhino horns, trophies etc. are not allowed. Various handicrafts, antiques, handloom articles, silverware, carpets and rugs are easily available. The shopping arcades include government emporia like Central Cottage Industries Emporium. Delegates are advised to take adequate personal insurance and cover for personal travel, baggage, accident or illness. The Organisers will not be liable for any personal accidents or loss/damage of private belongings of delegates during the Conference/Exhibition. Leverages Economic Growth  New Delhi -- Around 200 Indian women entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs gathered in Bangalore today to discuss how women business owners can play a significant role by growing their companies into prominent corporations and, in the process, leverage India’s economic growth. The BizWomen Conference, 2005, organized by the Small Enterprise Assistance Fund (SEAF) and co-sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other prominent international and local organizations presented to the delegates of women entrepreneurs practical strategies and lessons learned from across the globe in growing businesses. The presence of Union Minister of Finance P. Chidambaram as the Chief Guest indicated the importance that GOI places on job creation through business development, and the growing role of women in the economy. USAID India Director George Deikun spoke at the inaugural session and Ms. Rajshree Pathy, CMD- Rajshree Group of Companies expressed her views in her role of the keynote speaker. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Deikun said: “A vibrant private sector particularly small and medium enterprises play a significant role in a country’s economic growth. This is as true for the US as it is for India. The emergence of women entrepreneurs and their significant contribution to the economy is now visible in India and the benefit can be seen. Families are healthier and better fed and their income and savings go up.” According to data from the Small Business Administration, USA during 2000 America’s 25.5 million small businesses generated more than half of the nation’s gross domestic product; created 80 percent of all the net new jobs in the United States and employed 52 percent of the private sector work force. According to the Asian Development Bank, registered small-scale industries (SSI) in India accounted for 40 percent of industrial output, 35 percent of export revenues and 45 percent of formal industrial employment. These numbers may underestimate the real significance of small business for employment since a majority of the small enterprises in India operate in the informal sector. Women’s primary entrepreneurial activities are focused on the small and medium enterprise sector, although there are a number of firms that have been successfully grown to medium and large corporations by dynamic Indian women entrepreneurs. The venture capital fund, the “India Growth Fund”, is primed to invest in dynamic, locally owned enterprises that would otherwise be ignored in the equity marketplace. USAID seed capital of $5 million, combined with the SEAF’s focus on post-investment business development, sparked the interest of financiers and generated additional funding from Indian banks, institutional and individual investors as well as international investors. In October, 2004 Kotak Mahindra Bank and SEAF successfully launched the fund with commitments of over $50 million; another $70-80 million is expected by the end of the 2005. India Growth Fund has reviewed more than 200 projects and has selectively invested in two small and medium size firms, with additional plans to invest its total corpus in other Indian corporates over the next three to four years. article first published on: www.usaid.gov  |
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