Haley expounds Narendra Modi’s vision.

By The American Bazaar Staff

WASHINGTON, DC: The Governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, endorsed the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi’s mission of ‘Make in India’ campaign, and exhorted Maharashtra to model itself on the same lines, speaking at a meet in Mumbai.

“India is a spectacular country. Indian business environment continues to be strong and the country is going in a pro-business direction. I am excited about the many opportunities that have unfolded as India transforms into a vibrant economy. India can achieve greater success and faster growth if the country would reduce regulations and ensure consistency in rules and regulations and focus on trust building among businesses. India needs to ensure a clean business environment to attract more investments which will improve the investment predictability for Indian companies”, said Haley, addressing the “Enhancing Trade and Investment Cooperation between South Carolina and Maharashtra” business meet, hosted in her honour by World Trade Centre Mumbai and All India Association of Industries on November 19th, at the World Trade Centre Mumbai.

Recalling her recent meeting with Modi during his visit to the United States, in September, Haley recalled that “Make in India” campaign should be replicated for “Make in Maharashtra” and “Make in South Carolina”.

Haley said she would like to see more investments between Maharashtra and South Carolina, and improve job prospects. She emphasized on the need to improve the quality of relationship in Indian businesses to achieve greater corporate excellence. She invited a business delegation from Mumbai to visit South Carolina to explore collaboration opportunities.

Haley opined that the states of South Carolina and Maharashtra could successfully engage in the sectors of pharmaceuticals, IT, energy, manufacturing, waste management and services. Outlining South Carolina as the number one vacation destination in the US, Haley said she would also focus on cooperation in the education sector and build collaborations between universities and training centers for skill development.

Prakash Mehta, the minister for Industries and Mining, Parliamentary Affairs, Maharashtra, said in his address that the state welcomes industrial collaborations from South Carolina particularly in the small and medium sectors.

Mehta added that given the complementarities between Maharashtra and South Carolina, both states could successfully collaborate in the sectors of automobiles, textiles, dyes and pharmaceuticals processed foods and fisheries besides a host of other sectors. Tourism also appears to be a promising sector and can be tapped with mutual advantage, he pointed out.

Thomas Vajda, Consul General, United States, expressed that Haley has come to India at an auspicious moment following the very successful visit of Modi to the United States. During that visit, Modi and President Barack Obama chartered a common vision for the future of US-India relationship, firmly anchored in shared values, shared democratic principles, and a shared commitment to expand trade and investment ties to the betterment of both countries’ economies and people.

Vajda said there is already a strong foundation underpinning US-India economic ties. The US is one of India’s largest foreign direct investors as well. US FDI in India totals $28 billion, and through their foreign subsidiaries US companies have invested considerably more here.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai, Director, WTCA Board New York and President, All India Association of Industries, said that to ensure the success of “Make in India” program, India needs to concentrate on skill development, building good infrastructure and creating a stable policy framework.

Kalantri lauded Haley’s initiatives to reconstruct South Carolina with good policy measures whereby unemployment was brought down from 10.6% to 5.5% generating growth, business and employment.

Kalantri sought the cooperation of Haley in developing good townships and smart cities as well as strengthening the infrastructure sector in India.

Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai proposed the vote of thanks.