Trade body helps Indian firms set up US operations

In the wake of ensuing presidential elections in the United States, the Indo-US Business Alliance (USIBA), a politically strong trade group, is making efforts to get the annual limit of H1B visa raised from 65,000.

Besides, it is helping Indian companies earn tax and other incentives worth millions of dollars from their US-based operations.

The group, which calls itself as 'much more than a trade alliance body,' has officially been registered with the US Congress and is assisting Indian companies set up their US-operations in IT, entertainment, textiles, infrastructure and health sectors.

The body has already played a role in pushing forward the Indo-US nuclear deal and has also brought four delegations headed by four different US state governors, to India.

USIBA vice-chairman Abhi Shah, who is currently on India visit told Business Standard that in the wake of the upcoming presidential polls in US, USIBA has initiated a lot of activities meant to benefit the Indo-US trade community.

"USIBA is not a trade chamber to get involved in business match-making. We are using our political dominance and contacts to make Indian companies aware of various incentives and tax benefit schemes they can avail of in various US states to start their operations. We have a membership base of 50,000 in the US, which had over the years built a lot of political contacts," Shah stated.