Passport to India – Gateway to Opportunity

 

The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development is pleased to announce the formation of the India Business Development (IDP) team.  Working with a consultant that specializes in South Asian economic development, the team will leverage double-digit growth in India, especially as related to the targeted industries of advanced automotive, aerospace, technology and life sciences.

India is one of the top fifteen economies of the world.  With 1.2 billion residents, it is second in world population only to China.  (In comparison, the U.S. ranks a distant third with 312 million people.)

For centuries, agriculture was the leading industry in India.  While agriculture – especially advancements in agricultural technology – remains a stronghold, new companies related to the service industry and advanced manufacturing are increasing in number.  The resulting proliferation of the middle class – and its economy-stimulating purchasing power – means that there are more opportunities for Macomb County-based businesses to extend their global reach. 

To help interested businesses make those connections, the IDP Team is working with Atul Sheth, a consultant with more than 25 years experience in product design and development, manufacturing and global supply chain. Atul is fluent in four languages and particularly knowledgeable about how to do business in India. 

Over the past five years, Atul has accompanied many business executives and government officials on trade missions to India.  These missions helped to establish a brand identity for our region as a viable place to sustain economic growth.  As a result, he was actively involved in attracting several of India’s “Fortune 50” companies to our region, including Tata, Mahindra, Infosys, Wipro and Bharat Forge. 

“India is no longer an outsourcing Mecca but instead is becoming an in-sourcing heaven,” says Atul.  “This has been consistently proven over the last five years, as many Indian businesses have established their bases in southeast Michigan and created new employment opportunities while integrating with local communities.”

Atul will work with department staff and companies interested in reaching out to India, especially as related to governing regulations and the culturally acceptable business practices of his native country.   

To learn more about how to get your company involved in this initiative, please e-mail Camille Silda, Senior Economic Development Specialist or call 586-469-5285.