Ministry of Commerce appointed Agricultural & Processed Foods Export Development Authority (APEDA) as the nodal agency. APEDA held a series of meetings with the leading exporters and in keeping with the privatisation policy of the Government it was decided by the Ministry of Commerce to set up a warehousing-cum-marketing centre at Rotterdamin the private sector. Rotterdam is one of the largest seaports of the world and is considered to be the Gateway to Europe. It is endowed with an excellent hinterland infrastructure of road rail and barrage (on the Rhine river). Over 500 ocean lines are served by Rotterdam Port every year and from here cargo can be shipped to over 800 destinations.

Mr. Ashok Kumar Jain a Diamond Exporter and MS International Ltd. of MS Group belonging to Mr. Pavan Sachdeva are the promoters of the Company.

Now Andhra Pradesh State Trading Corporation Ltd. and U.P. Export Corporation Ltd. are also participating in the venture contributing to Equity.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES OF THE COMPANY IN INDIA

The Company proposed to undertake the following activities:

1. Creation of culture and atmosphere for such type of Trade & Distribution Centre through publicity campaigns;

2. Taking of all sorts of steps required for establishment of IIMC Trade & Distribution Centre at Rotterdam;

3. Advance booking for special exhibitions offices permanent display windows and other spaces;

4. Making research work about the Indian and Foreign markets;

5. Providing consultancy to Indian exporters;

6. Providing partner search facility to Indian entrepreneurs;

7. Disseminate informations about European market through new letters/other publicity materials.

The wholly owned Foreign Subsidiary namely India International Marketing Centre B.V. will undertake the following activities at Rotterdam.

I) Organising Exhibitions: IIMC proposes to organise not less than five exhibitions during a year thereby enabling Indian Exporters to exhibit their products and provide a ground for meeting with prospective customers. Whenever such exhibitions are organised invitations will be extended to more than 300 Chambers of Commerce & Industries and Trade Associations of European countries. These bodies have been lined up to send their delegations to the exhibitions and promote high level business activity by RITCA and the City of Rotterdam.

It is also proposed to arrange Product specific Buyers-Sellers meets.

II) Permanent Display Facitity

Display of products of Indian exporters- Indian Exporters will be allotted display spaces on rent to exhibit their products.

III) Warehousing - The centre proposes to provide its own warehousing facility and also act as agent in sub-contracting to other wareheusing companies.

IV) Providing Offices

Indian Exporters will be provided spaces on lease at the marketing centre to serve as their overseas offices. A total of 57 offices are proposed to be made available on rental basis.

V) Business Centre

A fully equipped modern business centre is proposed to be brought up in this complex to provide secretarial communication and other services to the exporters.

VI) Market Research - The centre proposes to undertake general market research studies and function as intermediary between Indian exporters and European consultancy organisation for undertaking specific studiesand to disseminate information both to the Indian exporters and European companies.

VII) Partner search - The centre proposes to provide carefully selected list of potential counterparts in European countries to its participants. It can also arrange sub-contracting to consultants for more indepth study of potential Joint Venture Partner at request.

VIII) Publicity - The centre will establish and maintain relations with major trade journals and will publish its activities as well as the activities of its members on a regular basis.

IX) Assistance - in transfer of technology and product development.

The proposed centre will provide the following facilities over a built up area covering 5500 sq.meters.

* Exhibition Hall

* Display Centre

* Warehouse and Offices-cum-Showrooms

* 57 Offices

* Business Centre

The Indian exporters participating in the activities of IIMC Ltd. will also be assisted in obtaining:

* Employment Permit

* Residence & Housing facilities

* Custom Bonded facilities

THE UNIQUE SELLING POINTS OF IIMC LTD. for the Indian Exporters are:

* Securing a foot-hold for small and medium enterprises in the European Market at affordable cost.

* Unique representation in Euro Trade Park Rotterdam with a well equipped marketing centre building at prime location.

* Range of services dedicated to the need of Indian Exporters.

Background of the Company

The company was incorporated as a Private Limited company on the 23rd June 1993 with the main object of promoting exports of all kinds of Indian goods and products and to establish offices marketing centres distribution centres warehousing facilities and processing activities in India and abroad. It became a deemed Public Ltd. Company w.e.f.23.6.93 and subsequently converted into a full fledged public company vide special resolutions passed at the AGM held on 23.9.94.