AirBusinessClass.com

Previously know as Bombay and India’s most internationally known city, Mumbai is
rapidly growing with new industries. Trade and foreign investments were extremely
limited until Mumbai was liberated in 1991 by its Finance Minister. And because of
this technology, service-based outsourcing and software engineering have
skyrocketed. And even though the oldest stock market in Asia is in Mumbai, in both
2006 and 2007 India achieved an 8/5% GDP growth. Because of its power and strength
from the British Empire in cotton exports, and with everything from entertainment,
financial services and manufacturing, this has made Mumbai strong and solid in its
business circle. The following companies all have operations in Mumbai: Dow
Chemical, Citigroup, Motorola, Western Union, bank of America and Nortel. Here
Mumbaikars speak Hindi and Marathi but the language spoken he most here is English.
Men and women here both have dress codes very similar to western countries. And as
long as foreign business women dress extremely conservative without revealing short
skirts and tops as well as be clear on her status and her role in the business
relationship, she will be treated with respect. Here you will get invited to a
number of social events and engagements. Usually it will be lunch meetings or late
dinner and drinks. You will rarely meet for breakfast so flexibility here is
important. In the past few years a number of high end luxury brands have come to
Mumbai. Versace, Gucci, Ferragamo and Christian Dior are just a few shops that
opened up here. And most households have cooks, personal drivers and staff making
this a very service-oriented city. So it is no surprise when some people here do
personal shopping from their homes. Here in Mumbai a really long handshake or tap on
the shoulder is appropriate between men but women need to restrain themselves with
physical contact. And because this is an extremely crowded country when standing in
line or in an elevator, people will be all over you without intentionally being
rude. It is just the way it is here in India Bollywood and cricket are usually
subject of small talk here, which is very important in India. And don’t be surprised
if religion and politics or even questions are asked about Barack Obama. In Mumbai
what can take a day in the United States can take up to 2 months here, were most are
used to clocks, Indians work around calendars. So never take the time that is taken
for business for granted. Indians are also very respectful of relationships and
though they will wine and dine you, they are bottom line-oriented and tough
negotiators. It is extremely difficult to do business here, but perseverance counts
and because of this, India is a very progressive city as well as the most efficient
in India. Please note that after the terrorist attacks in the city in late November
2009, there was a lot of damage to hotels in the area. Be sure to check before
making your reservations at the Oberoi Hotel, the Trident and the Taj Mahal Palace.