Minnesota Governor visits India; seeks economic engagement

New Delhi, Oct 22 (UNI) Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath has called for increasing the pace of economic engagement between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Minnesota (the United States) and India.

He said India being a large importer and having a huge work force with an increasing manufacturing base offering vertical linkages offers an ideal platform for Minnesota-based SMEs to establish business-to-business contacts with Indian SMEs.

The Minister made these observations while welcoming Minnesota Governor Pawlenty here today. This is the first-ever visit by Minnesota Governor to India.

Mr Nath also highlighted the increasing business opportunities available in various Indian states and invited SMEs based in Minnesota to explore the potential. Increasing commercial engagements would also lead to greater people to people contact, he observed.

The Minnesota Governor showed keen interest in seeking greater Indian expertise for research in different sectors of manufacturing and engineering.

He said there is tremendous potential for bilateral, commercial and economic relations between India and his state which, he added, is one of the bigger and more economically vibrant states in the US.

UNI