okyo-based Japan Steel Works is focusing on emerging economies like India to expand its overseas operations against the backdrop of weakening performance in major markets like the US.

"In our overseas focus, India is very important to us," the company's Representative Director and President Ikuo Sato told PTI here. The company, known for its forging and engineering equipment supplies, has set up a marketing and after-sales office in India.

Sato said the company may also look at setting up warehouses in India in view of lucrative orders from about 50 leading companies, including automobile majors like Maruti Suzuki India.

After a difficult 2008-09, the Indian automobile industry is recovering fast with the passenger cars leading the pack. Total automobile sales in terms of units increased by over 13 per cent in the April-October period of 2009-10 over comparable months of the last fiscal.

Asked if the company plans to set up a manufacturing base in India, Sato said, "It all depends on demand volumes."

Presently, India operations of the Japanese firm are carried through JSW India Pvt Ltd.

The global economic slowdown and its impact on the Japanese economy has weakened the performance of several global steel giants. However, economies like India with vast investment planned for infrastructure continue to generate demand for global companies.