AREX and the Chamber of Commerce Launch India Plan for Aragonese Companies
The India Plan, a joint initiative of AREX (Aragón Exterior) and the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce, has begun its development with the first training session. The program is designed to facilitate the internationalization of Aragonese companies in the Indian market.
The inaugural session focused on logistics within and to the Indian subcontinent, with the participation of around ten companies. Oscar Calvo, managing director of JCV Shipping & Solutions, provided an overview of the maritime transport situation and the connections with India. Calvo explained that direct maritime connections from Europe to India are concentrated in the ports on its west coast, while connections to the east coast require transfers. The four shipping alliances that control most of the global maritime transport offer various connections to India and highlighted that there are «good» connections within the subcontinent for delivering goods to inland ports or logistics parks.
Specialized Training Program
Over the coming weeks, a comprehensive cycle of in-person and online talks with specialized speakers will take place. The program includes the following sessions: Logistics and Customs (September 16 and 30), Practical Cases from Spanish Companies (September 19), Intercultural Negotiation (October 2), Payment Methods (October 14), and Contracts and Establishing Business in the Country (October 21). The sessions are organized by the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce and include space for questions, networking, and debate.
Participating companies will receive comprehensive advice that combines training and personalized consulting. According to Javier Camo, managing director of AREX, the aim is to «support Aragonese companies in their approach to the Indian market so they can operate more quickly and securely.» Companies looking to implement specific projects will have access to advice from AREX experts on-site and financial support for personalized consulting. Projects may include participation in trade fairs, setting up subsidiaries, joint ventures, drafting contracts, recruiting personnel in India, tax issues, and finding specialized suppliers.
Indian Market Context
India is currently the fifth-largest economy in the world in terms of nominal GDP and is expected to climb in rankings over the coming years. Its commitment to industrialization, investment in infrastructure, and digital transformation, along with a young population and expanding middle class, make it a priority destination. In 2024, around 150 Aragonese companies exported to India, 56 of which had values exceeding 50,000 euros. The volume of exports from Aragon to the Asian country was 20.8 million euros, compared to 277.5 million euros in imports. The main products sold by Aragon to India are construction machinery and chemical products, while the most imported are chemicals, automotive components, and technology.
The India Plan was initially presented in June when expert consultants and companies analyzed the opportunities and specifics of this market.
