US corporates preparing 'Agenda for Progress' for UP

Washington, Apr 17: India-focused American companies are developing the "Agenda for Progress" for the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh with the objective of its all-inclusive and dynamic growth, the US India Business Council (USIBC) has said.

The Agenda for Progress, tailored made for the state, is being prepared at the request of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. It would be developed within the first 100 days of the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh by USIBC, which is the apex body of American companies doing business in India.

"Once Yadav fine tunes the agenda, USIBC will launch a major high-level executive mission to Uttar Pradesh to begin implementation," USIBC President Ron Somers said. "I look forward to working with this forward-thinking Chief Minister to help achieve his goal of creating jobs and prosperity for the people of this great state," said Somers, who had met Yadav within the very first week of him taking over as the Chief Minister.

Somers said he discussed the development priorities for the state, where American investment would be welcome. These areas include farming best practices; agricultural development, food processing, water development for drinking, irrigation, and treatment; connectivity - including by air, by roads, and via the internet.

Other areas include health care development, vocational skills development; manufacturing - with an emphasis on Job creation and energy and power development. "American companies are keen to invest in all these sectors - so long as the business environment is welcoming," he said.

PTI