Speeches and Remarks
OFFICIAL TEXT
January 18, 2012
Consul General Jennifer A. McIntyre’s Remarks at inauguration of the American Business Corner at Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
As Prepared Text
Vannakam. It’s a great honor to join you for the inauguration of the first American Business Corner, located at the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
I’d particularly like to thank Mr. S. Rethinavelu, Senior President Mr. N. Jegatheesan, President, Mr. J. Rajamohan, Hony. Secretary
Today, I’d like to make some brief remarks about the economic relationship between India and the United States.
Over the last few decades, our bilateral economic cooperation has resulted in dramatic increases in investment and trade. U.S.-India foreign direct investment increased by nearly 165 percent between 2005 and 2009. U.S. exports to India have quadrupled over this last decade, while Indian exports to the U.S. have grown by 180 percent.
We, the United States, are committed to expanding our bilateral economic ties with India.
During his visit to Pune University last month, Deputy Secretary of State William Burns stated, “…countries like India and the United States – with our belief in innovation and open societies–should have a strong interest in working together to ensure that economic competition remains open, free, transparent and fair.” We see business-to-business engagement as at the very forefront of our relations.
Our instructions from Washington, and the message we have received, is to continue to open doors for greater private sector engagement.
As a result, the U.S. Commercial Service is partnering with local chambers of commerce
throughout South India to make connecting with the U.S. as easy as ABC.
Through collaborations, such as the American Business Corner, we hope to strengthen our commercial connections, making it easier for South Asia and the United States to connect.
Our two countries can only benefit from sharing our resources and expertise.
Incredible growth has been happening in India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, like Madurai and these American Business Corners will make it easier for Indian companies to work with American companies.
Even more importantly, these types of connections, in addition to continued hard work on the U.S.-India relationship, will play a role in improving the lives of hundreds of millions of people in the years to come.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend the inauguration of the first American Business Corner here in Madurai, and look forward to working with you on the local level to strengthen the economic partnership between India and the U.S.
Thank you.