1. Introduction
Invisible export is the part of international trade that does not involve the transfer of goods or tangible
objects, which mostly include service sectors like banking, advertising, copyrights, insurance,
consultancy etc. invisible exort also known as invisible trade is basically associated with the person’s
own skill and knowledge is what is 'sold' rather than a piece of software or books.
Invisible trade is composed of invisible imports and invisible exports. Since nothing tangible is
transferred, the importer is defined as the person, group or country that receives the service. The
exporter is defined as the supplier of the service. The net total of a country's invisible imports and
invisible exports is called the invisible balance of trade and is a part of the country's balance of trade.
For countries that rely on service exports or on tourism, the invisible balance is particularly important.
Export Performance of the Indian service Industry
An analysis of the consultancy contracts secured by Indian project in the foreign market has been
carried out by Exim Bank of India. As per the analysis, done during 1995-96 to 2000-01 indicates that
consultancy contracts were secured largely in West Asia which accounted for 39% number wise and 46%
value wise followed by South East Asia and Pacific & South Asia.
South East Asia constituted 22% both by number and by value whereas South Asia was 18% number wise
and 16% value wise. According to the 2002 data of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO),
India's share in global trade in services was about 1.3%. India’s share of consultancy exports is about
0.5% of global trade in services.
Government Initiatives
In the recent years the Government of India has take some important step for the improvement of
service based export. The Foreign Trade Policy, 2004 – 09 is one of them, which has announced the
setting up of Services Export Promotion Council for promoting the Indian service sector in the foreign
market. Government of India has also introduced Market Development Assistance (MDA), Market Access
Initiative (MAI) scheme, proactive EXIM Policy and EXIM Bank schemes. Government also provides
exemption on service tax for export of consultancy services. However due to lack of clarity in the
provisions in the present notification, consultancy export may be affected.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Indian Consulting Industry
The major strengths of Indian invisible export or invisible trade include professional
competence, low cost structure, diverse capabilities, high adaptability and quick learning
capability of Indian consultants.
The major weaknesses of Indian invisible trade or invisible export include low quality
assurance, low local presence overseas, low equity base, lack of market intelligence and low
level of R&D.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Starting Export Introduction
Chapter 2 Basic Planning For Export
Chapter 3 Identifying Products For Export
Chapter 4 Market Selection
Chapter 5 SWOT Analysis
Chapter 6 Registration of Exporters
Chapter 7 Export License
Chapter 8 Myths About Exporting
Chapter 9 Export Sales Leads

2. Chapter 10 Exporting Product Samples
Chapter 11 Export Pricing And Costing
Chapter 12 Understanding Foreign Exchange Rates
Chapter 13 Appointing A Sales Agents
Chapter 14 Export Risks Management
Chapter 15 Packaging And Labeling Of Goods
Chapter 16 Inspection Certificates And Quality Control
Chapter 17 Export Documents
Chapter 18 Custom Procedure For Export
Chapter 19 Invisible Export
Chapter 20 Export To SAARC
Chapter 21 Export To CIS
Chapter 22 Organisations Supporting Exporters