SINGAPORE companies should use their expertise in infrastructure to expand into India and profit from that country's rapidly growing economy.

The advice came from Mr Reginald Wee, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore's regional director for South Asia, who told a seminar on Tuesday that there were rich pickings in India.

The Indian government plans to spend nearly $720 billion on infrastructure between 2007 and 2012, he said.

He added that companies in Singapore should also look at manufacturing and retail.

There are about 50 Singapore companies in India, with over 20 in the infrastructure sector.

'But there's still room to grow,' Mr Wee said. 'Singapore has the latest in know-how and technology. That's how we keep our edge.'

HSBC senior economist Robert Prior-Wandesforde also made the case for targeting big projects, pointing out that inadequate infrastructure topped the list of company complaints in India.

'Only half the roads are paved,' he said.

He warned, however, that companies should know the business culture and legal pitfalls.

'It's not plug-and-play,' he said. Deals are conducted faster, and there is a 'bargaining culture: You need to know the prices before you buy anything'.

For ornamental fish company Qian Hu, the key to success was finding a good local partner.

Qian Hu boss Kenny Yap scouted out India for nearly six years before embarking on a joint venture with one of his Indian customers in April.

'We had to take some time to make sure that our values and vision converged,' Mr Yap told The Straits Times.

'Because of that, I don't expect any problems. My partner knows how to handle any local issues, and we can bring in technology and exposure to an international market. It's a win-win situation.'

Mr Wee noted that most Singapore companies would probably do better in 'large cities like Mumbai and Delhi, because our expertise is within an urban environment'.

IE will hold an India Exec programme in October for businesses to network with Indian bosses. It will also organise sector-focused trips based on demand. Contact IE at enquiry@iesingapore.gov.sg

melissat@sph.com.sg