Universal Technologies, Inc. leads largest-ever US state trade mission to India!

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- Universal Technologies, Inc., a Williamsburg, VA based consulting organization, is Virginia's partner for India business development. Through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), Universal led its fourth Virginia trade mission to India during April 2007. The recent Governor's trade mission, the largest US state delegation to India, witnessed over 70 members of industry, government and academia visiting New Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai.

The April 2007 trade mission took leaders from various industries including real estate, industrial manufacturing, biotechnology, geospatial design, financial consulting, design engineering, wireless, logistics and information technology to New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai from April 22 to April 28, 2007. Virginia's Secretary of Commerce & Trade, Mr. Patrick O. Gottschalk, announced at the end of the mission that Virginia business with India amounted to $100 Million during the week. Virginia exports to India have approximated $100 Million per year, over the last three years.

Accompanying the industry leaders, were state government officials, several university representatives and USIBA President, Mr. Sanjay Puri. USIBA is an independent business alliance committed to strengthening commercial, economic and financial ties between India and the US. "A large number of American states are planning trade missions to India in the near future after the success of the largest ever trade delegation from the state of Virginia. We believe that person-to-person dialogue between key US state representatives as well as policymakers and captains of industry in India would further enhance trade between the two nations," Sanjay Puri.

"This is the era of the developing world and of emerging markets," stated Jeffrey Immelt, General Electric's (GE) Chairman and Chief Executive. As the US economy cools, GE and large MNCs have shifted their focus to faster-growth economies. Although, small business potential in these emerging markets is in a nascent stage, this is the time to develop relationships and explore business opportunities through a group trade mission or customized visit arranged by Universal. Recent figures released showed that India's gross domestic product grew by 9.4% in the year ended in March 2007. Indian officials say they expect growth to continue above 9.0% this year.

Virginia (VEDP) trade missions to India focus on 1-1 business matchmaking and began in April 2005. Since that time, Universal, as the VEDP In-Country Partner for India, has taken over 200 individuals to India, with an average company success rate of 80% on the first trip. Through the company's experienced research team and office in Bangalore, India, Universal has leveraged its network to benefit companies of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Recently, Universal Technologies, Inc., was appointed as a charter member of VITAL, the new Virginia International Trade Alliance. "There are new worlds of commerce and economic opportunity demanding our innovation and energy. VITAL is helping Virginia to reach those new worlds and opportunities," Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine stated.

Universal Technologies, Inc. with its dual shared office centers, high-quality research teams and innovative solutions is able to assist US and Indian companies compete effectively and profitably in the emerging competitive global marketplace. The company is a strategic consulting group specializing in enhancing Indo-US trade and development across multiple business sectors.

Universal has offices in Williamsburg, Virginia and Bangalore, India and has been serving clients since 1996. The company provides market research, tax & legal guidance, trade mission support, strategic consulting, M&A advisory services, along with shared service centers for all industries.