11-member American Mayoral delegation visits Mum

Mumbai, Feb 22 (UNI) Mayor of Bolingbrook from the American state of Illinois, Dr Roger C Claar today complimented the Asian community particularly the student community for displaying discipline and spreading the rich cultural tradition of parental values among the American community.

He was speaking at the Indian Merchant Chamber (IMC) here today on the prospects of ''Emerging Business Cooperation between India and the United States'' with special reference to strategy and urban development. Mayor Claar accompanied by a eleven member business and government delegation from Illinois is in Mumbai, after visitng Delhi and Chennai.

The Mayor said that Asian community, particularly the Indian community has contributed significantly to the American economy and the same can be repeated for India's growth.

Mr Claar pinpointed that in the United States it is the Mayoral office, which facilitates all necessary information to its people from State and federal agencies unlike other systems across the world.

The two neighbours, India and China holds tremendous scope for growth, where signifcant American investment and expertise could be channelled creating more business, he said.

On the occasion, John Gruelling, President of the Will County Center for Economic Development said the United States enjoys democracy and champions the cause of democracy for its people. As a result there is a strong synergy between business and government in the US.

There are challenges in areas of education and infrastructure, which are regularly monitored and necessary changes are inculated into, he said.

Illinois is a dynamic port of roadways and railroadways connecting with the rest of America, any investment made in the State will be a fruitful investment for the investors due to its positioning and connectivity, Mr Greuling said.

He said, millions of cargo containers are processed across the State and Illinois boasts of a good relation with government and its agencies as a destination for prospective business opportunities.

Judy Baar Topinka, former Illinois State Treasurer added it is important for the government and the legislature to have balanced laws to protect business interests and public service.

She stressed that uncontrolled taxation can sometimes lead to bad economic situations and it is the duty of the government to keep a check on policies, which only milks the business class finally destroying the economy.

Topinka also advocated that any form of corruption must be eliminated in urgency from and within administration for the smooth running of government machinery. In this regard, business people should run for public offices to inculcate the tenets of good business into government ideology.

The other way round is to make available low interest loans and feasible business environment for minorities to start their own enterprises, she added.

UNI