India - A Big India Trade Mart

India was a popular trade mart in the ancient times. The word ‘trade’ danced on the lips of many Indians. In fact, Indian trade was the cause of envy for many foreigners. As roman writer Pliny (AD 23-79) for instance, wrote about the cost of the luxury commodities that were imported from India. "Not a year passed in which India did not take fifty million sesterces away from Rome", wrote Pliny.

But surprisingly the growth got stunted in the face of Europe's monopolization of India's external trade, colonization and unjust trade practices, literally robbing India of its good fortunes. The downturn most probably started after the 18th century and India was hurtled to the bottom heap.

Interestingly, since pre-independence India has aggressively built upon its economic system. Driven by proactive government policies, strong, low-cost, highly educated work force, India is back with a bang, riding the wave of economic prosperity. Indian made goods have started gaining global acceptance, given its quality and competitive price. From a 'developing nation', India, today, has surfaced as one of the decisive nations, drawing the blueprints of the world economy.

Backed by skilled manufacturers, several of the major sectors are up and running and have formed a fundamental part of Indian Export basket. The significant sectors that could be called as the face of Indian Exports include:

Agricultural Sector: Today, India ranks second in the wider world in the farm output; Agricultural sector has been the undeniable highlight of India’s exports. Indian goods that are hugely popular in international markets include, Sugar, Tea, Spices, Wheat, Rice, Tobacco, etc.

Achievements of Indian Agriculture:

• India is the largest producer and mart of Wheat in the world

• India is the biggest producer and mart of Cotton in the world

• India is the largest producer and mart of Milk in the world

• India is the largest producer and mart of Tea in the world

• India is among the largest vegetable oil economies in the world

• India is the largest producer and mart of Rice in the world

• India is the second largest producer and mart of Fruits in the world

• India is the largest producer and mart of Coffee in the world

Textile and Apparel Sector: With a wide array of fabrics and immensely skilled manpower, Indian textile and apparel industry has been driving the global supply chain. Indian fabrics and workers are making their presence felt in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other countries. Indian exporters are intending to go beyond the markets of United States and Europe, and planning to explore new markets like Japan and non-traditional products like those made from organic cotton which command premium in international market.

Chemical Industry

In the early 1990s, India as a big mart, was a net importer of chemicals. Now has become a net exporter after many large scale petrochemical plants like Reliance, came into existence. Also, significant growth of exports in segments like bulk drugs, pharma pesticides, dyes and intermediaries have contributed to its exports. In 2007-08, Indian chemical export to EU market was valued at around 27 billion INR as compared to 23 billion INR in 2006 – 2007

Home Furnishing goods –

Riding on the back of Innovative designs and deft craftsmanship, Indian home furnishing industry has being creating ripples on the global radar. Also, seasoned artisans, modern manufacturing facilities, state-of-the-art machinery and design equipment has helped India capture the international markets on the home furnishings and textile industry front. In fact, Indian made floor coverings; kitchen linen, and bathe linen, cushion covers, bed sheet, curtains have become a rage in the international markets. Floor coverings such as carpets, 'durries', druggets, prayer rugs, hooked rugs, 'namdas' Made in India are also catching up, like never before.

Indian Jewelry - India is a big mart and known as the diamond destination. Today, nearly 9 out of 10 diamonds sold world over are cut and polished in India. But now, with 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) permitted in gems and jewelry through the automatic route, India is a big mart on the threshold of becoming the focus point of the global gems and jewelry industry. Hand-made ethnic jewelry crafted by Indian artisans has massive demand in various countries with significant Indian immigrant population like the Middle-East, South-East Asian countries, USA, Canada and so on. The non-ethnic jewelry, generated on machine is also in great demand in foreign countries.