PR in India: Matt Shaw’s views

Matt Shaw, Vice President, Council of Public Relations Firms, writes in PRWeek on PR in India and China. He sums up the Indian challenges very well:

The Council's Client Advisory Committee met in March to discuss India's PR landscape and how multinationals are cultivating reputations there. India has moved more cautiously into the business world than China has in order to avoid potential social unrest. A deep local knowledge is paramount in India. On a strategic level, companies entering India are wise to demonstrate a long-term commitment there. On a tactical level, the challenges can be daunting in a country with so many distinct ethnic provinces. For example, a countrywide press release requires more than a dozen language translations.

China and India represent two of the most compelling business stories of our time. As foreign companies continue to stream in and local businesses grow, US PR firms are building and networking to seize the opportunities. As a member of the International Communications Consultancy Organization, the Council continues to explore the global business environment on behalf of its members.