John Nylander, Vice President ? International Sales, TRG Group

It is the wide contrasts in the country that ?grips? John Nylander, Vice President ? International Sales, TRG Group ? more famous for its Victorinox Swiss army knife. Having visited the country always on business, Nylander has managed to view a little of the India he has until then known only through the mass media and books.

?India is a country of extremes, be it geographically, economically or socially,? he says at the outset. ?This is my fifth trip to India in 15 years. When I first came, the market potential was great but here the business environment wasn?t open as it is now. Things have since then evolved economically, yet the extremes have only sharpened. There is industrial development and the resultant financial boom at one end, while at the other, there is disparity caused by wealth and consequently, more poverty.?

It is the begging on the streets that has Nylander confused. ?I am caught between giving money to that extended hand and encourage begging or not give and then wonder whether I was right about that. It is not that there are no beggars, for instance in Los Angeles. However, the numbers are high here. I wonder how India is going to balance a society that is moving at top speed economically and at the same time has large number of people at the bottom.?

Having been here only for work, what are his views on the business community? ?When I first came to India, it was to experience a great movement of people but a slow pace at which things were being done. It was difficult to negotiate with local partners for they went over unnecessary details repeatedly; most often after all the queries in this regard was cleared. Now things are way better.?

The country?s financial boom bodes a good omen for the consumer, avers Nylander. ?Every young man here is on par with his counterpart in the world in terms of ambition, desires and consequently it is easier for foreign brands to penetrate the market. For instance three years ago, in our luggage category, it was difficult to find a retailer to sell merchandise to easily. Today, not just travel gear but every other range in our category ? be it watches, clothes or any other luxury goods ? are being snapped up. A reason for this is the rich retail experience for a consumer with well laid out merchandise, informative and helpful salesmen and the mall culture which offers variety and choice.?

Nylander says that as a foreigner he has had no problems communicating with anyone in India. ?Though there may be many who rue the colonial powers that ruled here, the best thing they did was to introduce English as a language. Almost everyone speaks English and understands it.? Nylander has become fond of India and loves coming here. ?I love the spicy food. I travel all over the world but it is only in India that I am able to taste a variety of vegetarian food with different flavours.?

What is the one thing he would love to do in India? ?I have not been on an elephant. Perhaps in my next visit, I shall find time for that.?