About Us
IGEP – The Indo-German Export Promotion Project (IGEP) was initiated in 1988 as a bilateral initiative supported by the German Ministry for Development and Collaboration (BMZ) and managed by the GTZ (now known as GIZ). The primary objective of this project was to enhance India’s export capabilities, particularly towards Germany, and address the trade imbalance between the two nations.
From its inception until 2005, IGEP operated as a joint development project between the Indian and German governments. During this period, the project evolved from its initial focus on supporting Indian exports to becoming a comprehensive economic development program with a strong emphasis on the private sector.
In 2005, in line with the Indian government's vision, IGEP transitioned into a private, independent advisory and consulting company, now known as IGEP Consult Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Gurgaon, India. This evolution allowed IGEP to continue its mission with a broader scope and greater autonomy.
Our Legacy
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Our Mission
IGEP's mission was to increase exports of private Indian industries to Germany and the EU market. Assistance was given to SMEs from organization and production up to marketing and cooperation. The ultimate objective was to achieve higher export earnings for Indian producers and exporters.
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Our Impact
Between 1990 and 2005, IGEP made a demonstrable and significant contribution to enhance Indian exports, especially in the labor-intensive traditional and semi-traditional sectors such as handicrafts, carpet making, leather processing, textiles, clothing, jewelry, and silk sectors. The project had a positive gender impact as well, as women accounted for more than 50% of workers in these sectors.
Our Strategy: Empowering Indian SMEs
for Global Success
Strengthening Export Potential of Indian SME Sectors
IGEP had developed a strategic approach to bolster the export capabilities of Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Our focus was on supporting a "core group" of companies with strong market potential. As companies gained scale and maturity, they were replaced by new entrants from a "second circle" of promising firms, while all companies had access to basic information on the German market through our "three-circle model."
Our strategy was rooted in direct collaboration with the Indian private sector, particularly in labour-intensive, semi-traditional industries. IGEP identified and prioritized key sectors, including leather goods (shoes, garments, bags, small accessories), textiles (garments and home furnishings), jewellery and natural stones, handicrafts and gift items, silverware and brassware, bicycles and components, plastic products, and carpets.
Special emphasis was placed on product groups like natural stones and handmade carpets, where systems were placed to ensure production free of child labor, meeting social and environmental standards expected by importers from Germany and across Europe. One of IGEP's success stories was the transformation of the Indian footwear sector. Before 1988, India only exported shoe uppers. With IGEP’s support in product and quality training, manpower development, and export marketing, Indian SMEs began producing and exporting complete shoes by the late 1990s. Beyond these sectors, IGEP had assisted Indian SMEs in over 200 individual product lines, ranging from tea and spices to renewable energy and industrial components. IGEP's integrated approach helped Indian SMEs realize their full export potential, with the ultimate goal of achieving sustainable success in new markets. IGEP played a key role in the 1990's and early 2000 helping Indian manufacturers and exporters adapt to competitive foreign markets.
A workshop organised by IGEP in Moradabad, 1995 for Indian Exporters
Marketing Support
IGEP played a crucial role in enhancing the global reach of Indian companies through a comprehensive and integrated approach to marketing support. We provided tailored solutions that combined market knowledge with practical strategies to help companies overcome specific challenges, ultimately improving their supply capabilities.
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Market
Information
We connected Indian companies with the German market, offered vital market information, organized seminars, and facilitated participation in trade fairs. This helped companies identify areas for improvement in marketing, production, and management.
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Trade Fair
Participation
From 1988 to 2005, IGEP facilitated over 200 trade fair exhibitions in Germany across various sectors, fostering robust business relationships between Indian exporters and German importers.
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Changing Perceptions and Building Relationships
Our efforts in trade fairs, design, and product development transformed the perception of Indian products in Germany, lead to a newfound interest from major importers and traders.
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Recognition and
Acceptance
IGEP's work has garnered significant recognition, enhanced the visibility of Indian products and laid the groundwork for long-term partnerships in the global market.
Training & Development
Prior to 1988, India lacked trained manpower in many of the sectors targeted by IGEP for export development. Therefore, it facilitated the setting up of many sector-specific training centers in technical collaboration with German institutes and training centers. These are listed in the table below:
International Experts and Mentors
To Guide Indian SME's
Through our strong partnership with the Centrum for International Migration and Development (CIM), a division of the German Agency for International Collaboration (GIZ), IGEP placed experienced German experts in key sectors across India. These experts brought a wealth of knowledge in product development, design, quality assurance, and other critical areas, helped Indian SMEs to meet international standards.
IGEP, in collaboration with CIM, developed specialized training and education programs for Indian SMEs. These programs were designed to enhance skills in areas such as product innovation, market readiness, and quality control, ensuring that Indian businesses could compete effectively in global markets.​​
IGEP also partnered with Senior Experten Service (SES) to provide targeted mentorship in specialized sectors such as bicycles and castings. SES experts offered invaluable advice and hands-on guidance, helped Indian firms improve their processes and achieved higher standards of excellence.
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