Day 66: Project Exports & Turnkey Projects

Project exports and turnkey projects involve the planning, design, execution, and management of large-scale overseas infrastructure or industrial projects. These ventures offer significant opportunities for Indian businesses but require meticulous planning, robust risk management, and strategic partnerships. This session covers planning and execution, bidding and tendering processes, financing, and case studies of successful projects.


1. How to Plan and Execute Large-Scale Overseas Projects?

Planning Steps:

  1. Feasibility Study:
    • Conduct market research to assess demand, regulatory requirements, and potential risks.
    • Example: A feasibility study for setting up a power plant in Africa assesses availability of raw materials and local energy policies.
  2. Detailed Project Report (DPR):
    • Prepare a comprehensive DPR covering design, costs, timelines, and manpower requirements.
  3. Resource Allocation:
    • Identify and allocate resources, including equipment, personnel, and finances.
  4. Compliance with Local Laws:
    • Ensure adherence to the host country’s regulations and environmental standards.
  5. Execution Plan:
    • Develop a timeline with clearly defined milestones and deliverables.

2. What Is the Bidding and Tendering Process for International Projects?

Key Steps:

  1. Identify Opportunities:
    • Use platforms like United Nations Procurement Division, World Bank Procurement, and national tender portals.
  2. Prepare a Competitive Bid:
    • Include technical specifications, cost estimates, timelines, and expertise.
  3. Pre-Qualification:
    • Demonstrate financial stability, technical expertise, and past project experience.
  4. Submission and Negotiation:
    • Submit the tender as per requirements and engage in negotiations if shortlisted.

Tips for Winning International Bids:

  • Highlight expertise through past project success stories.
  • Offer value-added services like maintenance or training.
  • Ensure competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

3. What Are the Financing and Risk Management Considerations in Project Exports?

Financing Options:

  1. Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank):
    • Provides loans, guarantees, and advisory services for project exports.
  2. Buyer’s Credit:
    • Enables foreign buyers to finance Indian goods or services through Exim Bank.
  3. Supplier’s Credit:
    • Indian suppliers extend credit to overseas buyers with support from Exim Bank or other financial institutions.
  4. Multilateral Institutions:
    • World Bank and Asian Development Bank finance large-scale infrastructure projects.

Risk Management Strategies:

  1. Political Risk Insurance:
    • Protects against risks like expropriation, currency inconvertibility, and political instability.
  2. Performance Guarantees:
    • Ensure project completion to avoid penalties.
  3. Currency Hedging:
    • Minimize the impact of currency fluctuations on project costs.
  4. Contingency Planning:
    • Allocate reserves for unforeseen challenges, such as delays or cost overruns.

4. What Is the Role of Consortiums and Partnerships in Project Execution?

Why Form Consortiums?

  1. Resource Pooling:
    • Combine financial, technical, and human resources for large-scale projects.
  2. Risk Sharing:
    • Distribute risks among consortium members.
  3. Enhanced Capabilities:
    • Leverage specialized skills from different companies for comprehensive project execution.

Examples of Partnerships:

  • Indian engineering firms collaborate with global construction companies for expertise and market access.
  • Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are formed to undertake large-scale infrastructure projects.

5. Case Studies: Successful Indian Companies Undertaking Turnkey Projects

Case Study 1: Larsen & Toubro (L&T):

  • Project: Power transmission lines in the Middle East.
  • Success: Delivered the project on time with advanced engineering solutions, establishing a strong regional presence.

Case Study 2: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL):

  • Project: Thermal power plants in Africa.
  • Success: Collaborated with local authorities and delivered a cost-effective solution while adhering to environmental norms.

Case Study 3: Shapoorji Pallonji:

  • Project: Construction of luxury hotels in the Middle East.
  • Success: Demonstrated expertise in high-end construction and project management, leading to repeat contracts.

Practical Steps for Indian Businesses in Project Exports:

  1. Build a portfolio of successful domestic projects to showcase expertise.
  2. Develop relationships with multilateral institutions for financing support.
  3. Join export promotion councils for guidance and networking opportunities.

Caution Disclaimer

“For further in-depth details, importers/exporters are advised to visit authenticated government websites such as DGFT, Exim Bank of India, or other official platforms to ensure compliance and accuracy. The content provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute official guidelines or advice. Tradefinancer.com does not assume liability for any discrepancies or errors that may arise.”


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