Trade media companies are pushing steadily into India but with varying degrees of commitment.
In December 2007, Alibaba.com claimed India to be a priority and mentioned an aggressive expansion plan; however, no follow on announcements have been made since.
This past February, Global Sources, who has been on the ground in India since 1989, put forward aggressive expansion plans:
1. Global Sources’ sales representative in India, Adlink Export Promotion
Pvt. Ltd. (Adlink), appointing a new chief representative in India
2. Six-Star Marketing Packages for suppliers in India
3. India Sourcing Fair in Hong Kong
4. Private Sourcing Events in India
5. China Sourcing Fairs in Mumbai
Not be outdone, Reed Exhibitions will be on an acquisition spree in the country over the next 3 years with investments of US$50 million.
Our target is to acquire at least four exhibition brands each year and we are progressing in this direction. The company has lined up an investment of USD 50 million in the next three years to acquire different brands in India as it plans to make the country its business hub.
Dont forget that there are already many online trade marketplaces in India like IndiaMart.com and TradeIndia.com.
All in all this is good news for Indian manufacturers seeking to expand their export markets as well as the many businesses seeking new sources for their product needs.
