A top-level delegation from the US Embassy in New Delhi, and the Consulate in Chennai, has set the tone for enhancing trade between the US and Madurai.
The investment opportunities available in the US and the collaboration prospects between the US and Indian companies were showcased at ‘Access America’ meet, jointly organised by Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the US Commercial Service-US Consulate, Chennai, here on Friday.
John M. McCaslin, Counsellor for Commercial Affairs and Senior Commercial Officer in the US Embassy, New Delhi, said a lot of initiatives had been taken to promote US trade with emerging Tier-II cities like Madurai.
“American Business Corner (ABC) was started in Madurai two years back, and today we have 12 ABCs in India. Now our aim is to bring together the US companies and the business community of Madurai. We are ready to help Indian companies invest in the US,” he said.
Stating that he was happy to see the progress made by Madurai, especially with an international airport, Mr.McCaslin said the US was looking beyond metropolitan cities.
“From June 18 to 20, there is going to be InfoComm International Trade Show at Las Vegas in the US. Your members will travel to attend this meet which brings together leading audio visual manufacturers. My office will help you meet the suppliers,” he told the members of the Chamber.
The US Embassy would hold an ABC conference in New Delhi soon and the businessmen from Madurai could explore opportunities with several US companies, he added.
Jennifer A. McIntyre, US Consul General, Chennai, said Access America programme was an engagement to strengthen bilateral ties and there was a huge scope for commercial relationship.
“The Consulate in Chennai is the 13 largest non-immigrant visa adjudicating post in the world for the US. So far in the financial year 2013-14, Chennai issued over two lakh visas, half of which were in professional category,” she said.
V. Neethi Mohan, chairman, Youth Entrepreneur School (YES), said the Chamber had various forums to explore new avenues for trade and industry.
James Golsen, principal commercial officer, US Consulate, Chennai, and J. Rajamohan, Chamber secretary, were also present.
