High-level US trade mission set to visit India

Washington, Jan 21: A high-level American trade mission is set to visit India next month with the aim of increasing bilateral trade focussing on technologies, systems and services in key sectors like security, transportation and power, the US Department of Commerce said on Jan 20.

US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews would lead the delegation of 18 American companies on a Smart Cities Infrastructure Business Development Mission to India from February 8-12.

With stops in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, Director of the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Lee Zak and Vice President of Global Business Development at the Export-Import Bank Ray Ellis will also participate in the mission.

"The trade mission will help US companies launch or increase their business in India, focusing on technologies, systems and services in the safety and security, intelligent transportation, water, wastewater, and power sectors," the US Department of Commerce said in a statement.

This engagement will drive and enhance the sustainable growth of India's infrastructure sector while making India's growing urban centers more attractive to business and providing a better quality of life for India's citizens, the statement said.

"By joining the global consensus agreed to in Paris last month, India made clear that it will be an important part of the world's solution to a truly global problem," said Andrews.

"US industry stands ready and able to help India make its cities more sustainable -– an effort that will greatly benefit India's economic growth and our world's ability to address a changing climate," he said.

The companies part of the trade mission include Alcoa Inc, Aquatech International, Black & Veatch Pvt Ltd, Convalt, Danaher Holding (DHR), Ecolab/NALCO, EI Technologies, MasterCard, Smart Cities Council among others.

As the world's third largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity, India has the second largest population and is projected to add 500 million people to its urban population over the next four decades, the Department of Commerce said.

The Indian government has made infrastructure development a priority, along with a plan to develop 100 smart cities -– developed urban areas that would create sustainable economic development and high quality of life through efficient and innovative energy, transportation, digital and social platforms.

To connect these proposed cities with existing air and sea ports, India needs infrastructure upgrades and technologies, it said.

PTI