Guide
About Mumbai
Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and, by the 2011 census, the most populous city in India. The city is run by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, also known as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which covers both the Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban districts.
For anyone looking for suppliers or services, Mumbai works as several business cities in one. The old wholesale bazaars of South Mumbai still deal in jewellery, cloth, produce and electronic components in bulk, while the suburbs to the north hold export zones, corporate offices and newer commercial complexes.
Economy and main industries
Mumbai's economy rests on trade, finance and services, with a large manufacturing and export base in the suburbs. Gems and jewellery are a particular strength. SEEPZ in Andheri East began on 1 May 1973 as an export processing zone for electronics and became a special economic zone in November 2000. It covers 111 acres, and gems and jewellery units are now a major part of its activity; the SEEPZ Gems and Jewellery Manufacturers' Association has represented them since 1989. The central government has allocated Rs 200 crore to refurbish and rebuild the zone.
The Bharat Diamond Bourse in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), described as the world's largest diamond bourse, is within walking distance of the Jio World Centre in the same district. Wholesale distribution, fabric trading and professional services are other important parts of the city's commercial activity.
Main business areas and markets
South Mumbai's bazaar district remains the place to buy in bulk. Crawford Market, built in 1869 as a wholesale fruit and vegetable market, is still a major commercial centre for produce, dry fruit and household goods. Mangaldas Market, close to Crawford Market, has been the city's main wholesale fabric market for over a century, with traders selling cotton, silk, georgette and Banarasi sarees.
Zaveri Bazaar is Mumbai's best-known wholesale jewellery market, dealing in gold, silver, diamonds and imitation jewellery. Lamington Road is the main market for electronic components, gadgets and accessories, and is where many repair shops and system builders source parts.
In the western suburbs, Andheri West has its own electronics market, and Laxmi Industrial Complex on New Link Road is known for furniture and home accessories. Linking Road in Bandra is a street retail destination for clothing and footwear. BKC and the SEEPZ area in Andheri East are the main concentrations of corporate and export offices outside South Mumbai.
Trade and the jewellery sector
Jewellery links several of Mumbai's business districts. Retail and wholesale trading is concentrated in Zaveri Bazaar, manufacturing for export takes place inside SEEPZ, and diamond trading is centred on the bourse in BKC. Buyers usually deal with different firms at each stage: wholesalers and retailers in the old city, and manufacturers, exporters and certification or logistics providers in the suburbs.
Finding businesses in Mumbai
Common searches in Mumbai include jewellers and diamond traders, fabric wholesalers, electronics and component dealers, furniture makers, freight forwarders and customs agents, and accountants and lawyers serving companies. Because the markets are specialised, it helps to search by area as well as by category. IndiaYP lists Mumbai businesses by category and locality.
Frequently asked questions
What is the STD code for Mumbai?
Mumbai landlines use the STD code 022. From outside India, dial +91 22 followed by the number.
Where is the main wholesale jewellery market in Mumbai?
Zaveri Bazaar in South Mumbai is the main wholesale market for gold, silver, diamond and imitation jewellery.
Which market in Mumbai is known for electronic components?
Lamington Road is the main market for electronic components and accessories. Andheri West also has an electronics market.
What is SEEPZ?
SEEPZ is a special economic zone in Andheri East, set up in 1973 for electronics exports and now home to many gems and jewellery manufacturers.