Speeches & Remarks
OFFICIAL TEXT
February 20, 2012
Remarks by U.S. Consul General Jennifer McIntyre at the IACC Meet
As Prepared Text
Raman, thank you for the welcome and thank you for your continuing support of our trade promotion activities in South India.
Under Secretary Sanchez, members of the first ever U.S. Ports and Logistics Trade Mission to India, SCO Judy Reinke, welcome to Chennai.
We are delighted to host the first stop of this trade mission and we know that the U.S. Commercial Service team has put together over 75 individual one-on-one matchmaking meetings for the delegates and a wonderful schedule for the Under Secretary.
I truly believe you are here at the right place and at the right time. India’s economic growth rate is well known, along with that growth rate comes the side effect of severe infrastructure capacity constraints, this is especially true in the ports and logistics sector.
Here in South India, you will find a large and successful manufacturing base that is pushing some of India’s largest ports located here in the south, beyond their capacity. Having recently visited the Chennai Port with our FCS office in preparation for this visit, I know you will also find willing partners here that are more than willing to engage with U.S. companies and U.S. ports to find mutually beneficial commercial solutions to address the capacity issues face here.
I wish you all the best during your visit here and please know that you can rely on your Consulate here in Chennai to offer our full support to help ensure your time here is well spent.