The 2009 edition of Dun & Bradstreet’s premium publication ‘India’s Top 500 Companies’ marks the thirteenth year of its existence. The encouraging response and positive feedback that the publication has received all these years has been extremely heartening and has been instrumental in continuing the lineage of ‘India’s Top 500 Companies’.

The year 2008 was characterised by the sub-prime crisis that led to global financial crisis and subsequently to economic slowdown, whereas 2009 was characterised by measures directed at recovering from the economic and financial turmoil of the past year. Prudent economical and fiscal measures in the form of stimuli packages and policies that took place globally seem to have created a gradual but positive impact. An apparent indication of moving away from the instability phase and entering the recovery level is the projection of global GDP growth to 2.7% in 2010 and 3.2% in 2011 after a 2.2% decline in 2009. The developing countries, which seemed to be less affected by the global crisis, are in a better position to regain their economic stability. The lacklustre overall growth rate of around 1% in 2009 displayed by most developing countries is expected to increase to more than 5% in 2010 and 2011. World trade volume, which fell by more than 10% in 2009, is also projected to expand by more than 4% in 2010, thus providing an opportunity for developing countries to strengthen their economies.

After almost two decades of economic reforms, Indian policy makers continue to adapt and innovate to better equip the Indian corporate sector to compete globally and these efforts are bearing fruit. India is in a better position to cushion itself against external shocks, making it one of the most secure investment destinations in today’s times because of the prudent banking regulations complemented by a growing demand in domestic market. With conditions significantly better than 2009, India is well poised to take advantage of its stable economy for a relatively stronger rebound in the near future. Touted as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India’s medium to long term prospects remain intact.

Against this background, the publication ‘India’s Top 500 Companies’, plays an even more important role in providing a unique platform to Indian companies to secure global visibility.

Dun & Bradstreet will continue its endeavour of meeting the growing expectations of the readers of ‘India’s Top 500 Companies’. I look forward to receiving your valuable feedback and suggestions.

David J. Emery
President - Asia Pacific & Senior Vice President of the Corporation
Dun & Bradstreet