Indian companies recognized for creating jobs in the US.
Bureau Report
WASHINGTON, DC: The Confederation of Indian Industry-India Business Forum (CII-IBF) hosted a corporate reception here, welcoming a number of Governors and key economic and political officials.
The purpose of the reception, themed “Indian Roots, American Soil: Supporting State Economies,” was to highlight the contributions of Indian companies across the United States. The event showcased Indian FDI flows to the U.S., job creation and investments by Indian companies in the country as well as their local community engagements at the state-level. The platform also presented an opportunity for companies and state officials to connect regarding future corporate expansion goals and strategies.
Jack Markell (D), Governor of Delaware and Chairman of the National Governors Association, and Terry Branstad (R) Governor of Iowa, were the Honorary Co-chairs of the reception. Jan Brewer (R), Governor of Arizona, Mike Beebe (D), Governor of Arkansas, Dannel Malloy (D), Governor of Connecticut, Patrick McCrory (R), Governor of North Carolina, Margaret Hassan (D), Governor of New Hampshire, Gary Herbert (R), Governor of Utah, and Matt Mead (R), Governor of Wyoming also participated in the program.
Democratic and Republican governors acknowledged the value Indian companies bring to their respective states. The event also saw participation from government officials, corporate members, academics and the think tank community.
The Indian companies represented at the reception are located across 40 states in the U.S. and Washington D.C. They operate in diverse sectors, such as education, financial services, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, information technology, manufacturing, and telecommunications. The majority of the companies has increased employee count in recent years and created new jobs, reflecting the resilience of their operations and hiring efforts even during the economic slowdown. Many saved thousands of jobs through mergers and acquisitions. Trends indicate that their Research & Development activities are on the upswing, as are their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
Nirupama Rao, Ambassador of India to the United States, who attended the event, said that “job creation and investments by Indian companies are a very real component of the US-India trade and commercial relationship.”
She said that Indian companies operating in the US are adding tremendous value to the local economies in which they operate, the most tangible effects of which are felt at the state and county level. Engagement at the state level is very much on the bilateral economic agenda of both governments and efforts like the CII event go a long way in strengthening these linkages.
“Indian businesses have increased their investments in the U.S. in recent years, a key factor in my decision to lead a trade mission to India earlier this month,” said Gov. Markell of Delaware. “As the fastest-growing market for U.S. exports, India provides significant opportunities to increase U.S. job growth. As governors, we have a unique opportunity to build strong partnerships between our countries that can bring economic opportunity to the U.S. workforce.”
Governor Terry Branstad of Iowa stated, “The trading and investment relationships between Iowa and India are robust and growing in importance. This event provided an opportunity to discuss the attractiveness of Iowa as a place to do business and build upon relationships that are key in the global economy,”
Dave Delie, Chairman of the CII India Business Forum and CEO of Welspun Tubular said: “The recognition by the governors of the jobs created and economic growth contributed by Indian companies in the US demonstrates the importance that a strong relationship between India and the US can further help strengthen the economies of the states where Indian companies are located and the United States as a whole.”
Sandhya Satwadi, Director and Head, CII North America, said, “This is the first time that the CII – India Business Forum is directly engaging with Governors and key economic development offices from the states. By enhancing state-level interactions, we can truly have an impact in encouraging greater investments in states as well as facilitating better business climates and incentives for our companies. We hope to see more two-way traffic in state-level delegations in the coming years.”