Most people are aware of the competitive labor costs which prevail in India today but very few people realize the truly advanced nature of many Indian businesses and industries.
We all know of India's reputation in the software and I.T. areas but manufacturing is also very advanced in many sectors.
For example the leather and footwear industry. Indian leather tanneries are now among the most advanced in the world and shoe making has been developed to the point where Indian shoes rival those made in Italy for design content and workmanship and at prices far below those demanded by European manufacturers.
The Indian business ethic is such that working with Indian suppliers is usually a very pleasant and relaxed affair and agreements made with a hand shake are very rarely broken.
Delivery dates do need careful monitoring as the European and American retailers fixation with precise timings are sometimes not fully appreciated by all suppliers but these things can usually be overcome if you have a good local representative.
The widespread use of English makes working with India less difficult than working with some other countries and the similarities with the English legal system means that things happen in a fairly familiar way when doing business and arranging exports. However the value of a good local agent or representative office cannot be ignored. There is nothing like a little local knowledge to make the wheels turn smoothly.
The scale of the place should not be forgotten. India is a large place and distances between factories or cities can be great. The domestic air network is extensive and well served with excellent local airlines and state of the art, modern aircraft but the roads are a different story. The rapid and almost overwhelming increase in the number of private cars on the roads in recent years has put severe strains on an already overstretched road network and commuting times in large cities such as Mumbai or New Delhi can easily use up most of a working day unless you can plan carefully.
The Indian rail system is legendary for its scale and reach. It is a truly immense operation with a network reaching into almost every corner of the country. The latest trains and carriages are modern and comfortable with levels of service long forgotten by travelers in Western countries. However the chaos of an Indian railway station during the morning rush hour is an unforgettable experience to the visiting businessman or traveler. At such times the presence of an Indian colleague is essential for lowering the stress levels.
If you are keen to experience the best of what Asia has to offer in terms of manufacturing in general and shoe making in particular then India should be high on your list. Modern telecommunication and I.T. systems make working with India a very practical option for many Western businesses, especially when combined with the help of a local partner who knows your industry inside out and has a wealth of local contacts.
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