AmFest to help boost Indo-US trade ties

The Indo American Chamber of Commerce will host AmFest, a three-day long consumer products exposition-cum-trade fair for American small and medium enterprises, in Mumbai from June 3 to June 5, 2004, at Hotel Taj Land's End.

IACC is optimistic that the event will provide a fillip to United States' exports to India and create more productive commercial ties between the two economies.

The exposition aims to bring the American consumer goods closer to the Indian people, helping bridge the trade and commerce gap.

• AmFest 04: Complete Coverage

The IACC will focus on the fast moving consumer goods segment. More specifically, the segments targeted will be food and beverages, beauty care, fitness products, toys, fashion, and car accessories, said the IACC in a media release.

IACC feels this is the ideal time and opportunity for American companies to tap into the expanding Indian market. The event will help American firms get in direct contact with Indian trade and consumers and ascertain their response to US products.

The objectives of this initiative are:

• To facilitate US firms develop a deeper understanding of the Indian market and its dynamics;
• To present an opportunity for on-the-ground interaction between American SMEs and possible Indian partners;
• To promote direct interaction between US SMEs and Indian end-consumers; and
• To open up collaboration opportunities and facilitate discussions on possible franchising/distribution arrangements between the two nations.

The broad format of the event is:

• A trade show and expo for display of American product and services. This will be targeted at the business community and also be open to the general public for a limited number of hours each day.
• A seminar focused on 'Trade Insights', which will feature basic rules for business, tax structures, the Indian demographic profile, and other relevant information.
• One-on-one buyer-seller meets.
• A cultural festival is also planned simultaneous to the expo, to bring in a very real flavour of the 'American experience.'

IACC feels this is the ideal time and opportunity for American companies to tap into the expanding Indian market. The event will help American firms get in direct contact with Indian trade and consumers and ascertain their response to US products.

Details on booth space for exhibiting at AmFest:

• The cost of the booth space is $750 or Rs 30,000 for three days (June 3 to June 5, 2004)
• $563 or Rs 22,500 (25% early bird discount till March 31, 2004)
• 25% discount on every additional stall booking (more than one stall of 9 sq mts).

The cost of $750 (regular rate) would include:

• Booth space measuring 9 sq mts for 3 days.
• Access to seminar sessions.
• An invitation to the grand cultural evening.
• An opportunity to attend host of other events during AmFest 2004.

More details are available on the IACC Web site: www.amfest-india.com

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) was established 35 years ago to promote trade and commerce between India and the United States of America.

It has emerged as the leading Indo-US bilateral chamber, with membership of over 2,700 members and 14 offices all over India.

The chamber has been at the forefront of facilitating foreign investment into India, assisting US companies in identifying joint venture partners in India and networking with affiliate Chambers in the US. More details on IACC are available on www.indous.org.