BRIC+ Study Tour India

The seventh largest country in the world, and the second most populous, economic reforms since 1991 have turned India’s economy into one of the fastest growing. Growing at more than 7% per year since 1997, India was the 11th largest economy in the world by 2009 (and the fourth largest in PPP terms). Cautious banking policies and a relatively low dependence on exports for growth meant India escaped the brunt of the GFC and achieved the second highest GDP growth among major economies in 2009 (6.5%.) The 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2011 Cricket World Cup will boost growth further.

Economy – India’s diverse economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of services. We learn about the key economic opportunities and challenges ahead if India is to regain and maintain 9%+ annual GDP growth.

Business – Despite bureaucracy, poor infrastructure, and widespread corruption, there are many Indian companies which are household names on a global scale. We talk with local business leaders about the challenges and opportunities of doing business in India.

Investment – We explore some of India’s diverse investment landscape (agriculuture, textiles, telecommunications, chemicals, food processing, steel, transport equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, and software) and the short- and long-term risks of investing in India.

Society – We learn about India’s rich political history, and the political challenges involved in steering economic progress in the world’s largest democracy. India has the largest concentration of poor people in the world. Local experts help us understand the socio-economic issues and their drivers and the huge challenges faced by India’s government to improve living standards.

“A man in this world without learning is as

a beast in the field.” Hindu Proverb

India at a glance

Form of government Fed RepublicTotal area 3.3m sq kmPopulation (2011 est) 1.19 bnGDP (PPP, 2010 est) USD 4.06 tnGDP rank 5GDP per capita (2010 est) USD 3,500Inflation (2010 est) 11.7%Unemployment (2010 est) 10.8%Life expectancy at birth (2009) 66.8 yrsPoverty (% of population, 2007) 25%% of GDP (2010 est)- Agriculture 16.1% - Services 55.3%- Industry 28.6% 23

BRIC+ Study Tour India

Our BRIC+ Study Tour India commences on Sunday in Mumbai, India’s commercial and entertainment capital, its most populous city, and the second most populous city in the world. After an orientation briefing on our week’s program, we explore the sites and contrasts of this fascinating city including the British Heritage district with its Gateway to India, famous Chowpatty Beach, and Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai’s unique open air laundry.

On Monday, we spend the day in back-to-back investment briefings on the economy, business environment as well as backgrounders on India’s equity, debt and financial services markets. As always, we finish our briefing day with a networking reception with local Indian business executives as well as Australians living and working in Mumbai.

On Tuesday, we’re out and about in Mumbai, for our first two investment case studies. In the evening, we fly to Delhi, India’s political capital.

On Wednesday morning, we are up early to catch the iconic Taj Express train to Agra (and incidentally, experience India’s incredible railway system, a legacy of its colonial past). We have our two in-depth briefings on India’s society with our Indian elder statesman (“Guru”) That afternoon, we visit the iconic Taj Mahal, before an early dinner and return train journey to Delhi later that evening.

On Thursday, we’re out and about in Delhi for our third and fourth investment case studies. That evening, we have a networking dinner with local financial services executives.

On Friday morning, our last full day in India, we have our final investment case study. Over lunch, we have our unique Key Takeouts workshop to ensure you have a clear picture of the group’s and your key takeouts from the Study Tour to communicate with your clients and colleagues and ultimately influence how you build investment portfolios.

Friday afternoon, we take an unforgettable tour of Delhi, including experiencing the fascinating Old City, and visit one of Delhi’s vibrant markets. In the evening, we have our farewell dinner at one of Delhi’s best restaurants.

Investment case studies – a selection of 5 from:- Agriculture- Consumer Goods & Services - Infrastructure (energy, roads, ports, airports)- Real Estate (residential, commercial, industrial)- Manufacturing- Technology- Tourism- Business Process Outsourcing

For dates and more info, email mail@BRICplus.net25