Dr Anil Pillai, Chairman and CEO, Airolink Group
What are the key focus areas for your business in 2022?
In addition to our core expertise in construction, Airolink has positioned itself to diversify into healthcare, oil & gas, and also to expand further into key markets such as Saudi Arabia, India and the UK. Our primary focus is in devising strategies to manage and mitigate the risks brought about by the extremely dynamic global market.
The last couple of years has not been easy for the Indian economy – What are the primary factors that could drive a resurgence in the economy this year?
Socio-economic reforms and political stability are key to driving foreign direct investment to India and to ensure a faster revival from the Covid impact. Through these reforms, it is imperative that we place larger focus on growth particularly in the fields of employment, healthcare and infrastructure.
Do you have any investment plans in India?
Along with our strategic global partners, within India, Airolink has planned key investments in renewable energy, healthcare and petrochemical sectors to a cumulative value exceeding INR 2,000 crores.
Dr Dhananjay Datar, Chairman and MD, Al Adil Group
What are the key focus areas for your business in 2022?
Retail is our main business and we have to do a lot of novel things within this spectrum, so we are not diversifying beyond that right now.
The last couple of years has not been easy for the Indian economy – What are the primary factors that could drive a resurgence in the economy this year?
India is a huge market considering her population and a growing and aspirational middle class. This year the market will strongly pick up and demand will definitely bounce back.
Do you have any investment plans in India?
As of now we are keenly focussed on expanding in the GCC. However, with India being such a large and key market, we are open to opportunities there as well.
Eugene Mayne, Group Founder and CEO, Tristar
What are the key focus areas for your business in 2022?
The key focus for us in 2022 would be to continue the good performance of 2021 and explore growth opportunities for the group within our targeted markets.
The last couple of years has not been easy for the Indian economy – What are the primary factors that could drive a resurgence in the economy this year?
The pandemic affected the global economy and the Indian economy was not immune. However, the Indian economy is rebounding strongly in the fiscal year 2021-22 to 9.5 per cent growth as per RBI estimates. With the expectation that world economies will recover from Covid-19 it is hoped that the rebound in the Indian economy, subject to the outcome of several major state elections this year will be sustained well beyond fiscal year 2022.
Do you have any investment plans in India?
Yes, an investment in India in 2022 is very much on the cards for Tristar as we look to establish an expanded presence this year to support our endeavour to grow into the retail fuel logistics space in India.
Harish Tahiliani, Managing Director, Arab & India Spices
What are the key focus areas for your business in 2022?
2022 will see Arab & India Spices focusing on ready-to-cook products and consumer packs.
The last couple of years has not been easy for the Indian economy – What are the primary factors that could drive a resurgence in the economy this year?
India’s economy maintained the rebound momentum in the July–September quarter (Q2) of FY2021–22. Investment has maintained a steady pace of growth in the past two quarters after declining for over a year, which indicates that the capital expenditure cycle is starting to gain pace. Consumption demand has been a concern as the pandemic dented consumer finances and confidence. Consumer spending lagged substantially from pre–Covid-19 levels, suggesting that pandemic uncertainties are weighing on consumer confidence and their ability to spend.
Do you have any investment plans in India?
Not at the moment. Hopefully, we will put plans in motion post-Covid, when the situation becomes better.
Dr K.P. Hussain , Chairman & CEO, FMC Group
How has your business been in 2021? How did you weather the pandemic storm in 2020 and 2021?
Indeed, the situation for the insurance market in 2021 was not much changed, although it was a Covid-based situation and the UAE was one of the best nations globally in managing the Covid crisis. We underline the efforts put in by the rulers of this great nation, which has always driven forward courageously helping us in making a positive stand. This has helped FMC to maintain a positive trajectory through 2021.
Although the entire market was impacted due to Covid, and faced a certain amount of uncertainty due to the implementation of unorganised ways of working, the impact also influenced many to work religiously and professionally in the face of a crisis of global proportions.
For FMC, the setbacks were not a challenge but a wonderful way to foster and support the initiatives of several insurance companies long after market forces stopped posing a sense of sustained risk.
What are your forecasts for the insurance sector in 2022 and what are your company’s plans for this year?
Our plan is always to enhance our service levels through digitalisation, reaching the high end while also expanding to other countries. This concept driven by FMC has already stepped up, ensuring progress.
On the occasion of India’s 73rd Republic Day, I wish our brothers and sisters residing in India and outside, best wishes on this momentous occasion. I always highlight the positives of communal harmony and on leading a good life, and for this we need to promise ourselves that we will uphold the nation’s fundamentals with pride, as we enjoy standing together as a united India, and this feeling of oneness should continue to remain a constant.
Nitin Jain, Director, Affordables
What are the key focus areas for your business in 2022?
The focus areas this year for Affordables would include planning five more stores in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, as well as entering Oman and Bahrain as part of our strategy to expand business. Our first branch in the African continent is also planned for this quarter.
The last couple of years has not been easy for the Indian economy – What are the primary factors that could drive a resurgence in the economy this year?
Easing import duties and benefits of exports and applying tax rebates on property incomes, if reinvested should help the Indian economy on a growth path.
Do you have any investment plans in India?
I believe India's logistics sector is in line for growth this year, so investing in shipping and freight companies could be beneficial in 2022 within India.