Chindia

As a portmanteau term for China and India considered together, this word has been around in the Western press since 2004, though it may have been used earlier in the Far East. The blend of the two names is intended to suggest that they are becoming a powerful economic force whose global influence may change the pattern of the world’s trade over the next couple of decades.

It was in the news in January 2007 because of a new book by the US futurist and trendspotter Marian Salzman, Next Now: Trends for the Future, which is co-authored with Ira Matathia. This includes the term as one of the issues that American and European business must watch in the coming years. It was also, coincidentally, the title of an art exhibition in London the same month that focuses on these two countries.

Some analysts argue that neither country sees itself partnered with the other in any meaningful way because of historic distrust and that the two are based on different economic and social models. But others argue China’s manufacturing strength complements the powerful IT sector in India.

Globalisation is the subject of Italian artist Patrick Tuttofuoco’s art. His first solo show ... Chindia, focuses on the world’s two main emerging powers, India and China.

Independent, 8 Jan. 2007

Globally, Salzman says, beware the Chindia factor. She says China and India will become technology strongholds and leave the U.S.A. in the dust.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2 Jan. 2007