Exhibitions and Business Events Blog

The automotive sector is one of the prime drivers of Indian economy. Economic liberalization policies adopted by government of India have primarily propelled India into the big league, with many global automotive players seeking to establish their operations in India. In fact in the last five years, India has turned into a big trade mart for the Automobile Industry, registering a growth rate of 15-27 percent.

And interestingly, the rise of Indian middle class and the simultaneous rise of the economy over the past few years have only charmed global auto majors to the Indian market. Moreover, India’s highly trained cheaper workforce has only added to its emerging status as a global manufacturing hub. All these plus points of the Indian markets on one hand and the recession faced by the auto sector in the developed markets like Europe, US and Japan on the other, have only resulted in increased capital flow to the Indian automobile sector.

Moreover, Indian car manufacturers are earning rare reviews in the wider world. According to Global 200: The World’s Best Corporate Reputations List, compiled by US-based Reputation Institute, India automaker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) has earned the status of being the fourth most reputed auto company in the world, even ahead of its parent company Suzuki Motor Co of Japan.

Indian a big mart for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)

Tata and Mahindra & Mahindra are the leading names in the Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) segment, creating waves on the global arena too. And given the stiff competition, Indian OEMs are continually upgrading their technology and are producing superior quality vehicles.

Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Tata and Mahindra & Mahindra are leading from the front on the global scene. And with India Inc facing increased competition from the global players, Indian OEMs have also been upgrading their technology and are manufacturing better-quality vehicles.

‘Economical Engineering’ has being the flavour of the Indian automotive industry, with Indian OEMs making the best use of its cost-efficient and highly –skilled work force. Also, the skillfulness of their suppliers has helped them in reducing costs and the manufacturing time. In fact, OEMs all across the globe are making a beeline to India to gain access to India-based design and development centers.

Production

In the recent years, India has emerged as the big mart for foreign automotive manufacturers.

• Japanese auto major, Nissan Motor Co, has chosen India among the five low-cost countries to manufacture its GenNext compact cars, including the Micra.

• Hyundai has converted India into its global hub for manufacturing small cars. By 2013, the company plans to invest US$ 1 billion in its second plant in Chennai. The company is also planning to invest US$ 40 million in its R&D facility in Hyderabad.

• General Motors till date has invested around US$ 1 billion into its Indian operations. The factory of its small car, Spark has been set up in Maharashtra, with an investment of US$ 300 million. The company also intends to make India its focal point for manufacturing of export engines, power trains as well as cars for neighbouring countries like the US and Europe.

• Mercedes-Benz plans to invest around US$ 64. 21 million in its plant near Pune. The plant will apparently have a production capacity of 2,500 trucks and buses and 10,000 cars over two shifts every year.

• Renault has entered into partnership with Nissan Motors to set up a manufacturing facility near Chennai at a cost of US$ 901.35 million to manufacture 400,000 cars annually.

• Skoda Auto is planning to make India its regional manufacturing hub. The company plans to start manufacturing cars in India by 2010 with a target of 50,000 units.

• Tata Motors plans to manufacture 80,000 units of its much awaited Nano at its Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand in 2009-10. The mother facility at Sanand, in Gujarat, may be fully operational by 2010-11 and will have a capacity of producing 1, 50,000 cars annually.

Exports

Export figures of 2008-09 are a testimony to India’s growing status as big trade mart for the automobile industry. As per the data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the passenger car sales in the overseas markets registered a growth of 63.01 pe+r cent during April-January 2008-09.

Exports scaled up to 2, 71,999 units as against 1, 66,859 units in the corresponding period in the previous year.

The growth in exports is primarily driven by Hyundai Motor India, followed by other auto companies such as MSIL, Mahindra Renault, Fiat India Automobiles, General Motors India and Honda Siel Cars India.

During April-December 2008, Hyundai Motors registered a growth of 100 per cent in exports with 198,600 units.

At 620,880 units as of December 2008, Bajaj Auto has clocked an increase of more than 35 per cent in exports.

Mergers& Acquisitions (M&As)

M&As have emerged as the key driving force in the Indian automobile industry. Recognizing India’s potential as a big automobile trade mart, Japanese, European, Korean, French, Italian and American automobile companies have either set up their manufacturing base in India or have joined hands with Indian automotive firms to launch new products in the Indian market. The list comprises Toyota, Renault, Nissan, Fiat, Kawasaki, Honda, Cummins and many more. Even, Indian companies have gone ahead and acquired foreign automobile companies to strengthen its presence in the global market.

One of the most publicized acquisitions in 2008 has been that of Jaguar-Land Rover by Tata Motors for US$ 2.3 billion. Even Mahindra & Mahindra had taken over three Italian companies - G R Grafica Ricerca, Metalcastello and Engines Engineering, during that period.

Other significant developments in this area include:

• Tata Motors,is planning to set up a dealership network for Jaguar-Land Rover in India. • The Auto Park established in Andhra Pradesh has received a whopping investment over US$ 401.55 million from about 34 automotive ancillary units.

• Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd (TKM) will be investing an added US$ 311 and around 83 million in its second plant, thereby taking the total investment in the plant to US$ 641.74 million.

Preserving Growth

• Mercedes Benz India witnessed strong growth in 2008 with 3,625 cars (46 per cent growth), 240 trucks (53 per cent growth) and 16 bus chassis being sold.

• BMW India sold over 2,500 units in 2008. In January 2009, for the first time ever, BMW beat Mercedes Benz in terms of sales, by selling 270 cars and sports utility vehicles (SUV) while Mercedes Benz, sold 89 units in January 2009.

• Audi reported sales of 1,050 units in 2008, a three times rise over 2007.

Luxury models to be launched soon include:

• BMW India launched the new BMW 3 Series for India in January 2009.

• German sports car maker Porsche will be introducing its Panamera in September 2009, which will be priced over US$ 1, 72,344.

• Skoda Auto India will be launching its three new variants of its hatchback Fabia in 2009. The company will also introduce a sports utility vehicle Yeti, in 2010.

India a big mart for Small Cars & Hybrid Cars

Electric car Reva is very much popular in South India. Other markets are also coming under its influence with too much emphasis now on going green these days. Few other car manufacturers like Hero Electric and M&M are also planning to launch electric versions.

The euphoria that Nano car generated has also inspired other auto giants to cash in on the massive potential of the small car segment.

According to the survey carried out by Invest India Incomes and Savings Survey 2007, by IIM Data works and another study by CRISIL Research, there is a colossal demand for entry level cars in India. And as per the survey there is a demand for 1.6 million small cars in India. So naturally, all auto giants have pulled up their socks towards capitalizing in on the prospect of this segment.

1. Fiat plans to roll out ‘Grande Punto’—plan in the new small car segment.

2. General Motors plans to launch its new mini car next year from its Talegaon plant, close to Pune.

3. Tata Motors is all set to offer new version of its Indica.

4. Honda intends to unveil ‘Jazz’, while Volkswagen plans to launch Indianised version of its popular ‘Polo compact.

5. Even Toyota and General Motors may join the bandwagon by 2010.

6. India launched its first hybrid car, Honda’s ‘Civic’, in June 2008, Indian majors like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are also planning to launch hybrid cars.

7. BMW also plans to launch its hybrid car to India.

Automotive Mission Plan 2006–2016 to Sustain India’s Status as Big Trade Mart for Automobiles

The idea behind Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) 2006–2016 is help India emerge as a big trade mart for design and manufacture of automobiles and auto components.

As per the AMP, India would continue to be largest tractor and three-wheeler manufacturers in the world and also world’s second largest two-wheeler manufacturer. By 2016, India will be the world’s seventh largest car producer and fourth largest truck manufacturer. Moreover, by 2016, the automotive sector would contribute 10 percent to country’s GDP from current level five per cent.

The Indian food industry is hailed as the sunshine industry of India. The current market size of Indian food market is around US$ 182 billion, and as per latest reports, the Indian food industry comprises nearly two thirds of the total Indian retail market.

Growing economy, surplus food, shift in consumer consumption pattern, have put the Indian food industry on the fast track.

According to consultancy firm McKinsey & Co, the retail food sector in India in 2008 was worth US$ 70 billion, which will reportedly scale up to around US$ 150 billion by 2025. The world food industry would grow to US$400 billion from US$ 175 billion. This means, India’s food industry will form a major part of the world food industry.

RNCOS, an industry research firm, sometime back had released a new market research report titled “Indian Food, Beverages and Tobacco Market Forecast till 2011”.

The key findings of the report are as follows:

• Consumer spending on food, beverages and tobacco in India is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.2% during 2007 to 2011.

• The continually expanding Indian processed food market will catch the attention of foreign companies.

• Street hawkers will face stiff competition from fast-food outlets. • Consumption of soft drinks will accelerate from 11% during 2002 to 2006, to 12% during 2007 to 2011.

• Production of branded snack food is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 20% in upcoming 2-3 years

• The country has evolved into a big mart for whisky, so India will be significant global spirits market in the next 3-4 years.

India a Big Mart for Spices

Despite the so called recession, Indian spice producers are laughing their way to the banks, with spice exports from India being valued at over $11 billion, in 2008-09. India exported spices and spice products valued at US$ 1.02 billion. In 2007-08, India exported spices and spice products worth US$ 1.10 billion.

India a growing Trade Mart for Food Processing Industry

The food processing industry is steadfastly growing at 14 per cent as compared to 6-7 per cent growth in 2003-04. Moreover, the industry has reportedly received foreign direct investments (FDI) totaling US$ 143.80 million in 2007-08.

Notwithstanding its growth, India’s share in the exports of processed food in global trade is meager 1.5%; while the size of the global processed-food market is around US$ 3.2 trillion. This indicates that both investors and exporters are yet to cash in on from the Indian food and processing industry.

Such being the situation, India has charted out stimulating strategies to double its processed food production by 2015, and therefore will be establishing 10 food technology parks in an attempt to achieve this.

A Mega Food Park under the Ministry of Food Processing has already been unveiled at Shirwal near Pune.

India a Big Mart for Snacks and Confectionery industry

The Indian Snacks and Confectionery industry is estimated to be worth US$ 3 billion. Segregated into organized as well as unorganized sector, the organized sector of the snack market is currently registering a growth rate of 15-20%, while the growth rate of the unorganized sector is around 7-8%.

India a Big Mart for the Dairy industry

As per 2007 estimates, the Indian dairy sector is worth US$ 62.67 billion. The sector has been growing at a rate of 5 per cent a year. The dairy exports in 2007–08 clocked US$ 210.5 million against US$ 113.57 last financial year, while the domestic dairy sector might cross US$ 108 billion by 2011.

India a Big Mart for the Beverage industry

Taking into consideration India’s speeding beverage mart, cold drinks giant Pepsico is gunning for India. As per the latest reports, the company plans to invest over $220 million to enhance its existing capacity.

The market for carbonated drinks in India is worth US$ 1.5 billion, while the juice and juice-based drinks market is worth US$ 0.25 billion. Fruit-drink market is growing at the rate of 25%. It is the one of the fastest growing in the beverage market. Sports and energy drinks too have a good market in India.

The market for alcoholic drinks has been growing consistently.

India a big mart for Food Chains and Restaurants

The food and grocery market in India is reportedly the sixth largest in the world, a prospect inspiring enough for big retail food chains to scale up their operations in India. As per the latest reports, McDonald’s is planning to open 40 new outlets across the country in Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad. At present, the company operates 160 outlets.

Food and grocery retail comprises 70 per cent of the total retail sales. And the good news is that this segment is growing at an unbelievable rate of 104 percent.

Even today, ninety nine of these segments are unorganized and therefore there is massive scope for growth especially for the organized sector. The organized food retail market comprises restaurants, fast food outlets, coffee houses etc.

Private funding in the food industry

As per the latest reports the total amount of private investment in the food processing sector for the next three years will be around US$ 23 billion.

* Adani Wilmar, the owner of Fortune edible oil brand, plans to invest close to US$ 199 million in soya and mustard oil projects.

* Reliance Industries Ltd will probably invest US$ 1.25 billion in a dairy project.

Government Initiatives to boost India’s prospect at the global level

* Food processing industries have been listed as one of priority sectors for bank lending.

* Zero excise duty on fruit and vegetable processing units

* Foreign equity up to 100 per cent is permitted for most of the processed food items

. * Zero excise duty on items like fruits and vegetables products, condensed milk, ice cream, meat production.

* The excise duty on ready to eat packaged foods and instant food mixes has been brought down to 8 percent from 16 percent.

* Excise duty on aerated drinks has been brought down to 16 per cent from 24 per cent.

With growing number of private hospitals offering the best of medical services in the world, India has been evolving as a big mart for medical tourism business, which is reportedly growing at the rate of 30 per cent each year.

India is known to offer quality and cheap health care services to foreign tourists. As per the study carried out by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Indian medical tourism industry will become a $2.3 billion business by 2012. In 2007, India treated nearly 450,000 foreign patients, thereby bagging the second position in the medical tourism realm.

India is in the process of becoming a Big Mart for Medical Tourism owing to the following advantages:

* Indian medical services cost 30% less as compared to Western countries and they are considered to be the cheapest in South-east Asia.

*India has large number of English speaking doctors, nurses, guides and medical staff. This makes it easier for foreigners to communicate with the Indian doctors.

* Indian hospitals do extremely well in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, transplants, joint replacements, dental care, cosmetic treatments, Orthopaedic surgery and more.

* The medical services in India comprise, full body pathology, comprehensive physical and gynecological examinations, audiometry, spirometry, Chest X-ray, 12 lead ECG, 2D echo Colour Doppler, gold standard DXA bone densitometry, body fat analysis, coronary risk markers, cancer risk markers, high strength MRI etc.

* All medical treatments are carried out using the latest, technologically advanced diagnostic equipments.

* Indian doctors have achieved excellence in performing successful cardiac surgeries, bone marrow transplants, liver transplants, orthopedic surgeries and other medical treatments.

* The expenditure incurred for Infertility treatments in India is almost 1/4th of that in developed nations. The accessibility to modern reproductive techniques, such as IVF, and an array of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services have made India an infertility treatment hub.

Medical Consultation and Surgery

India is the looked upon as the ideal medical destination for surgery and treatment, because of the numerous government hospitals and private tertiary care medical institutions with International JCI (Join Commission International) Accreditation. Most of these hospitals rank among the best in the world. They are well-equipped with the most modern and sophisticated technologies. The panel of internationally trained Consultants and Surgeons in India, backed by specialist medical teams, ensure total patient care with high success rates. The best thing being the cost of Medical consultation and surgeries is very affordable. The most important surgeries which foreigners prefer to carry out in India are listed below:

Infertility Treatments

Heart/Cardio Surgeries

Cosmetic Treatments

Eye Care

Dental Care

Orthopedic Surgeries

Organ Transplants

India a big mart for alternate system of medicines like ayurveda

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the oldest form of medicine, and lore has it that its guiding principles were scripted by Hindu Gods, and written texts available date back to 3500 years. This probably makes it the earliest medical science available that believes in the blending of physical, mental, social, moral and spiritual welfare. India has been proactively propagating its usefulness via various global networks. Consequently, many foreign companies have started realizing the effectiveness of this science. People from U.S.A., U.K., Russia, Germany, South Africa, Hungary and other parts of the world visit India to get treated by Indian Ayurveda experts.

The exports of Gem and jewelry seem to be back on track. Gold jewelry exports in May recorded a growth of 158 per cent at Rs 3,911 crore against Rs 1,513 crore in April. 

Cut and polished diamond, exports increased by 18 per cent to Rs 4,528.76 crore (Rs 3,847 crore) in May.

Total exports including coloured gemstones and rough diamonds increased by 55 per cent at Rs 8,887 crore (Rs 5,749 crore).

India is rising as the world’s largest trading centre and B2B platform of gold, gems and jewelry selling offers aiming US$ 16 billion by 2010. The industry has a rich resource pool of skilled manpower for designing and producing high volumes of fine jewelry at low costs.

Diamonds made-in-India

Only few Indians are aware of the fact that India has the largest diamond cutting and polishing centre in the world. Simply put, 9 of the 10 diamonds sold world over is cut and polished in India. In 2007-08, India exported cut and polished diamonds worth US$14.18 billion in 2007-08.

Booming Retail Sector

The Indian gems and jewelry sector so far, was an unorganized sector. However, with new age customer becoming more brand conscious and quality conscious as well, the demand for branded jewelry is gaining fresh impetus. As per Mckinsey report, the demand for branded jewelry will be worth US$ 2.2 billion by 2010.

Also, the government has permitted 51 percent FDI in single brand retail outlets, alluring both global and local players to this sector.

As per the report published by Technopak Advisors on the Changing Retail Landscape in India, the jewelry and watches market is worth US$ 13.70 billion. And it is estimated to register a 12 per cent growth by 2012, reaching US$ 23.60 billion.

The World Gold Council recently informed that the size of India’s gold coin market is worth US$ 2.11 billion.

In an attempt, to enhance the demand during recession, jewelers are introducing novel designs in light weight jewelry.

India Gems and Jewelry Exports

As per the figures released by the Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the exports of gems and jewelry, registered a growth of 1.45 per cent during 2008-09, driven by gold jewelry exports. This includes medallions and ornaments. In 2007-08, the country exported gems and jewelry worth US$ 20.8 billion.

Gems and jewelry amounting to US$ 17.79 billion was exported during April 2008 to February 2009. Notably, rough diamond exports stood at US$ 712.09 million, an increase of 43 per cent over the corresponding period previous year.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the largest importer of gems and jewelry made-in-India in 2008-09; this was followed by Hong Kong and the US. Of the India’s total merchandise exports, the gems and jewelry made-in-india accounted for 13 per cent.

The export industry mainly consists of small-to-large units set up in various special economic zones (SEZs) delivering diamond-studded jewelry.

Government schemes for export promotion

The Indian government has introduced favorable foreign trade policies to boost the booming gems and jewelry industry of India

* Foreign direct investment (FDI) up to 100% is allowed in gems and jewelry through the automatic route

* The government has reduced import duty on platinum and has exempted coloured precious gems stones from customs duty.

* Import of Rough, semi-precious stones are duty-free.

* Import of Metals other than gold and platinum are duty-free up to 2 per cent of freight on board (f.o.b) value of exports.

* Rejected jewelry imported is duty-free up to 2 per cent of f.o.b value of exports.

* Establishing of SEZs and gems and jewelry parks to boost investment in the sector.

* In May 2007, the import duty on polished diamonds, abolished.

* The government has raised the limit value of jewelry parcels for export through foreign post office (including via speed post) from US$ 50,000 to US$ 75,000

• The export of coloured gemstones on a batch basis has been permitted.

Old is gold, they say. This cliché perfectly suits our Indian textile and apparel industry. One of the oldest yet counted among the top most sectors of the country; the industry has evolved into being one of the largest foreign exchange earning sectors of the country.

Today, the Indian textile and apparel sector accounts for around 4 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), 14 per cent of industrial production and more than 13% of the country’s total export earnings. In fact, the sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, providing employment opportunities to more than 35 million people.

The Indian textile industry is projected to be about US$ 52 billion and probably may reach US$ 115 billion by 2012. The local market may too receive a boost; from US$ 34.6 billion it may probably register US$ 60 billion by 2012. In fact, India’s exports probably will increase from 4% to 7 % in the upcoming years.

India’s textile exports have climbed up from US$ 19.14 billion in 2006-07 to US$ 22.13 billion in 2007-08, clocking a growth rate of over 15 per cent.

Textiles and Apparels, Made-in-India Export Figures

As per the data released by Ministry of Textiles, textiles worth US$ 15.27 billion were exported by India during April-December 2008.

Textiles, handlooms and handicrafts made-in-India are exported to over 100 countries. In fact, US have become the largest buyer of Indian textiles and apparels. Readymade garments (RMG) made-in-India form almost 41% of total Indian textile exports. RMG exports were worth US$ 9.06 billion in 2007-08. During April 2008-February 2009, RMG exports reached a figure of US$ 8.59 billion, an increase of 4.86 per cent over the corresponding period of 2007-08.

Also, apparel has grown into the second largest retail category in the country. Interestingly, the local apparel retailing industry is reportedly around US$ 2.7 billion and despite recession it is likely to grow at 5-7% in 2009-10.

Textile and Apparel Sourcing

India is fast emerging as the global textile and apparel-sourcing hub with its massive multi-fiber raw material base, well set production base, design competency and expert labour force.

According to the Confederation of Indian Industry-Ernst & Young Textiles and Apparel Report 2007, the Indian sourcing market is projected to grow at an annual average rate of 12 per cent from an estimated market size of US$ 22 billion-US$ 25 billion in 2008 to US$ 35 billion-US$ 37 billion by 2011.

Also, world’s renowned fashion brands such as Hugo Boss, Diesel and Liz Claiborne are increasing their sourcing from India.

Government schemes to boost the textile exports

In an attempt to increase India’s share in the world textile market, the government of India has launched a number of crucial schemes like:

• 100% FDI flow via the automatic route.

• De-reservation of readymade garments from the small-scale industries sector in 2000.

• In February 2000, Technology Mission on Cotton was introduced to ensure that quality raw material available at competitive prices.

• In 1999, Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) was launched to assist upgradation of the textiles industry. Now seeing its popularity it has been given further extension till 2011-12. A total of 18773 applications at a project cost of US$ 24.91 billion have been sanctioned under TUFS upto March 31, 2008.

• 40 textile parks are being established under the Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) which will bring in investment worth US$ 4.38 billion.

Why is Video Marketing so highly recommended? 

Video marketing is considered to be one of the exceedingly clever ways to capture the attention of the potential customers. Like a blockbuster movie, if the video has an explosive start as well an explosive finish, it will undoubtedly leave a greater impact on the minds of the visitor. And of course, it brings to the table, the most fascinating aspect of TV advertising and Internet’s most praiseworthy characteristic, interactivity.

If the internet surfer finds the ad really attractive then there is a high probability that he/she will be very much drawn to the offers that you are putting across. In fact, in the recent years, online video marketing has emerged to be the most cost-efficient technique as compared to regular TV ads, given its production cost and market penetration.

On-line Video Marketing -A Definition

On-line video-marketing is a progressive marketing strategy employed by companies to advertise products and services, by use of catchy, short videos. The objective is to create awareness about a particular product and thereby allure clients into buying them. Did someone say picture speaks a thousand words?

Exclusivity of Online Video Marketing

Since the advent of TV and PC, reading has become a passé en masse. Since information is delivered at a faster rate through images rather than through text, it is natural for people to lunge for the best and smartest means of marketing communication that is video marketing.

The biggest advantage of Internet Marketing videos is that they can put the point across to the prospective customers’ much faster vis-à-vis the traditional text format. This will save the web users from the grueling ritual of going through the whole text, in an attempt to cull out the imperative details. On the other hand, videos will help deliver the same message in half the time.

When to Use Video

Video marketing plays a prominent role especially when a company aspires to promote its products. This helps in getting touch with the customers faster than the visual advertising screened by televisions. And with large number of people turning to internet for information, internet marketing videos are playing a gratifying role in satisfying the appetite of web users need for something new, useful and exciting

Benefits of Video Advertising

If you intend to use video in your marketing campaigns, then it’s a real good idea, since it manages to leave a lasting impression on the clients as compared to other types of advertising. It attracts the web users easily and delivers the message at a lightening speed than simple text messages.

A video displays product’s use and usability. Moreover, the presence of human face and a pleasant voice will both add to its selling quotient. By using this technique, the prospective customer can easily relate to the company and the product as well.

A Few guidelines

Well, just making a video and enlisting it in a video directory won’t take you places. You need to go the Search Engine Optimization way, if you wish to turn the tables in your favour. Remember, videos are sort of big fishes for the search engines, so take your time and make a video that is sheer search-engine friendly.

Modern technology provides you with various opportunities to track traffic and analyze results. So spend some time to study the success rate of the videos, whether it is being instrumental in boosting profits of your prospects. Also, look for tools that will help you identify the time the prospect has been playing your video before tuning it off. How many prospects get drawn to your site after watching your video, posted on a different site? Now how many visitors can be converted into customers and so on.

While making the video, in addition to the visuals, the content aspect should also be given due importance. Providing in-depth information via content is as important as the visuals to attract visitors to your products/services.

Experts suggest of using videos on the first page. It’s like a business card. Tucking your video away in some corner of your website will not help your cause. Make it noticeable. Also, give your visitors the scope to skip your video. May be there’re not in mood to view it, and the last thing you want is an upset visitor.

Optimizing Videos for Search Engines

* Optimize, both for video search engines, and content search engines. The best approach being to use meta tags for the content (text) of the page where your video is placed.

* Names of the videos should be relevant. Giving an out-of the-box name, which is not related to the video, will not help in SERPs.

* Utilize keywords both in the video titles and their descriptions as this will help video search engines index your video files and link it to your web pages.

* If you are link video from other pages of your Web site, then use anchor text.

* Ensure the video files that are been submitted have a proper extension.

* Keep it short. If you can, just take 2 minutes to inform.

* SEO professionals suggest making individual video site maps, which can be submitted to both video and content search engines. Both SEs will index these site maps.

* Incorporate RSS feeds. Metadata can be incorporated here.

* Research, test, measure, report and optimize.

Endorsing your Video

• The best way to popularize your on-line marketing video is through “submitting”. The prominent video hosting sites include, YouTube, Yahoo Videos or Google Videos. The biggest advantage being that your videos will be hosted for free and they won’t take up any of your site’s bandwidth.

• Keep circulating your videos. If you want to climb up in popularity rankings, then let users link to your videos. Viral marketing video is the best means to make companies and their product and services known across Internet users.

• Add phrases like "Tell a friend" or "Visit our Web site" at the end of the video.

Conclusion

To sum it up, use online marketing video in addition to traditional TV ad campaign. Both online and broadcast should endorse one another. For one, on-line marketing videos help in information sharing, more accurately and efficiently. In addition, videos can be the single-most differentiating factor between yours and your competitors business.

The internet marketing video should be short, so that web users don’t get bored and feel enthused of what they saw. And remember, the video ads should be significantly shorter than TV ads.

Is it easy for decision-makers to track you?

In a recent survey, when around 4,000 B2B buyers / decision makers were questioned, as to how they chose their new vendors, 80% said they found the vendor.

So, as a B2B supplier what am I supposed to do now? Drop all sorts of marketing campaigns right away, given that prospects will zero down me anyway.

Sorry. But that’s not the case. It only means that market place has gone through a significant makeover, say experts, from a seller’s market it has grown to be a buyers market. Now, it’s not I who hunt down the prospects, even they are hunting me down. The buyers have taken the role of decision makers.

So, now onwards I have to play a more proactive role by making my presence felt especially in all those places the buyers prefer to look for.

And with Business to Business marketing speedily shifting to online venues for many reasons, so it becomes increasingly important for B2B companies to have an on-line presence. On line marketing helps businesses to cut costs, as it is quite cheaper in comparison to offline marketing. However, the results may not prove positive, until the strategies adopted are Google friendly.

Four significant ways to increase visibility and demand for long term.

Be noticeable: Though you may be proactively promoting your business to the potential clients, but the fact is they’ll track you down only when they need you. For this your business should have a presence online. Owning a search engine friendly website and a blog are just the starters. You will also have to ensure that your business name appears on the article directories, social networking sites and other places as well.

Do Networking: The basic fundamental for B2B marketing is networking. The wider your network the more number of prospects will crowd your site. Sites like Twitter and Stumple Upon will help in this cause of yours. They’ll aid in building bridges with other businesses having related interests. Also, start networking on other social networking sites and stay active on them. The best way to start is to post or bookmark three or four times of day and spends at least 10 minutes a day befriending people.

Emphasis on Quality Content – Unarguably the website should have SEO friendly content, but it is also important to see that your visitors like it. Though they seem to be disinterested in your products or services, but if the content leaves an impression, then there is a high probability that they are likely to recommend your website to their friends and peers.

Be Social: Leaving a comment on various business blogs is the right way to get started, in terms of B2B marketing. Sometimes you need to be more personal. E-mail marketing is also a potent strategy that could be worked out. Even joining hands with other businesses will aid in getting new clients

Online business to business marketing is a reasonable substitute to offline marketing, and the best thing being, you will be reaping in more than what you sow. By making your brand visible to the decision makers, you are ensuring that your business grows and flourishes.

The beverages company Pepsico has decided to double its investment in India to over $220 million (around 1000 crore) for the ongoing financial year to further boost its beverage business in the country. The move comes in the wake of Pepsico registering nine quarters of strong growth in India.

GM files for bankruptcy

The world’s largest car maker that ruled the roads for not less than 77 years has finally filed for bankruptcy protection in the US, in an endeavour to create a 21st century company capable of taking on the world markets.

GM accounted for $82.29 billion in assets and $172.81 billion in debt. The US government has apparently agreed to bankroll the transformation of the 100-year old automaker. The company is reportedly a victim of plummeting sales and increasing gas prices.

The US plans to seek its pound of flesh, by converting much of its $50 billion of loans to a 60 percent stake in the new entity. Today’s filing coincides with the cut-off date for GM to persuade the government auto task force that it would able to restructure out of court through debt and cost cutting.

Exports plummet for seven straight months

Exports plunged by more than 33 percent in April 2009 with economic meltdown in developed countries negatively impacting foreign demand for Indian products.

Imports nose-dived by 37 percent primarily because of drop in oil prices. With imports plummeting at a faster rate than exports, the discrepancy between the two has come down by 50 percent to $5billion in April 2009. This is also the second consecutive month the fall in imports has surpassed the fall in exports.

Experts say that the latest trade data demonstrates continuous weakening of the global economy.

The World Bank has agreed to release US$400 million new financing loan to the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), in an endeavour to further strenghten the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This additional financing will add to the already disbursed original project which had been fixed by the World Bank on November 30, 2004.

Indian SMEs face constant challenges when it comes to obtaining finance on competitive terms, especially in case of longer term loans. This problem got further heightened by the current economic slowdown, leading to liquidity crises and the dawdling credit growth in the Indian Financial sector. SMEs, in particular were severely affected by the credit decline last year that impacted the overall growth and development.

"This Project is part of a larger program of support in response to the Government of India request for funding in light of the financial crisis. It is targeted particularly at SMEs, to help address the credit slowdown that has resulted from the financial crisis,” said Roberto Zagha, World Bank Country Director for India. “Achieving and sustaining growth and employment will require a sharp step up in industrial and services growth. This needs to be spurred by SMEs which have the greatest potential to provide employment.”

The credit facility available through the project will help finance long-term and working capital loans for SMEs in areas that were previously left uncovered in the original project. The new areas, probably means less developed states, and this change in standpoint will help particularly promote overall economic growth.

Refinancing of other financial institutions and banks who on-lend to SMEs are also on the cards. The project had earlier covered 927 SMEs spread across 10 Indian states. In fact, a survey revealed that around two-thirds of the SMEs financed under this project, fine-tuned their technology, which helped them enhance productivity.

The loan, from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), is supported by a Republic of India guarantee. The maturity period is of 15 years which includes a 5-year grace period.

Description: Due to global economic slowdown Indian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will receive additional funding from the World Bank to the tune of US$400 million.

You cannot bury the past, they say. It always claws its way back. That explains India’s rising status as second best economy in the world. For more reasons than one, the golden bird is all set to fly again. Made in India is the mantra of the modern times.

Skeptics (read: China) fail to understand why India is shining, while scores of countries adopting similar economy propelling practices have failed to prosper. No one knows the reason why, but world’s attention has undoubtedly shifted to India, as sunflowers turning to the sun.

The pace with which India is establishing world-class companies has also baffled our neighbours (China), whose corporate makeup is based on state-owned and foreign companies.

Now coming back to the past, India was known as the golden bird-world’s wealthiest nations. Every Indian had plenty to eat; trade was thriving, riches unbounded. Enamoured by India’s glowing riches, the Mughals, the Europeans and the British came calling and together they plucked bare the golden bird. And finally when India could manage to throw out the British, it was already cold and bare, riddled with illiteracy, poverty and mounting debts.

Today, however, if we look back, it is highly felt, the caste system which India has been practicing since time immemorial has come handy in the resurgence of world’s biggest democracy. The Vaishyas, of course, members of the merchant caste, who over the years have the learnt the ropes of accumulating capital, has apparently endowed the nation with a competitive edge. Commerce is a natural trait they say and it helps if you have a committed group of risk-taking entrepreneurs who knows how to make most of the opportunity. In fact, today Vaishyas lead the Forbes list of Indian billionaires.

Little wonder, India is gaining back its lost glory. Once again India has become the epi-centre for all trading activities. In other words, India has become a big mart. Backed by expanding middle class, higher disposable incomes and proactive government policies have come together to propel India into the top league. Goods manufactured in India have global demans.

In fact, India gives global business houses an excellent opportunity to buy quality goods at extremely competitive prices and that to in a healthy business climate. The economic policies, coupled with flexible regulatory environment and taxation system has inspired foreigners to flock Indian shores for Indian made products. Special attention is also given to the Industry-related logistical issues.

Why global business houses looking forward for India made goods?

Valid question. Those seeking to source India goods will want to make themselves familiar with circumstances which will help them in easy sourcing. The following points will answer all your queries.

• Counted among the top 10 economies of the world

• Massive manufacturing base, including aircraft, locomotives, ships, cars, power plants, capital machinery, chemicals, consumer electronics, textiles and food products.

• Dream destination in the world in terms of low-cost, high-value software services and R&D

• Largest congregation of English speaking educated workforce in Asia

• Second largest railway network in the world, coupled with vast coastline and sea ports

• A free market economy with latest legal, financial systems and a free press/media

• Business and cultural associations with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal that provides a proactive platform for sourcing from them as well.

• Abundance of high-skilled, low-cost base of labour, having long-term sustainability.

• Foreign counterparts are seen more as partners in fostering domestic manufacturing capabilities rather than a threat to Indian businesses.