An open-to-the-public lecture will look at why India is one of the most attractive markets for doing business in, yet simultaneously one of the most challenging.

Emory alumnus Abbe Rosenbaum will visit Political Science Professor Holli Semetko's class, "India Today: Economics, Politics, Innovation & Sustainability," on Thursday, April 3, in 111 White Hall at 2:15 p.m. to speak on "Starting a Business in India: A Foreigner's Perspective."

"I'm delighted that Abbe Rosenbaum will bring her years of experience on the ground in India launching a new joint venture in the insurance industry to our 'India Today"'classroom," says Semetko, who is also Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Media and International Affairs.  "Abbe is an excellent speaker."

With its large, emerging middle class and young population, India is considered one of today's most attractive markets for product and service providers.  However, as Semetko notes, many of the world's most successful companies are struggling to succeed in India. 

Rosenbaum's talk will take a market case entry approach to the puzzle of doing business in India.

"Given India's ongoing national election campaign, it is an especially interesting time for global firms doing business in India," says Semetko.

"On the issue of foreign direct investment (FDI), the two main parties — Congress and the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) — stand on opposite sides of the fence.  BJP is campaigning against FDI and Congress in government has supported FDI. India has different regulations on the degree of FDI in each business sector and the most hotly debated is FDI in multi-brand retail."

Semetko is also Honorary Visiting Professor, IIT-Bombay and a Fulbright Nehru Scholar 2013-14.