The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) concluded its inaugural manufacturing industry mission to New Delhi yesterday.
The delegation was led by representatives from the automotive, chemical, consumer products, packaging, and other advanced manufacturing companies.
The delegation delivered an optimistic message, and congratulated government officials on the tremendous achievements on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), bankruptcy law, and the advancement of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.
"We are committed to the Government of India's Make in India ambitions, and we focused this week on advancing a vision of 'Make in India for the World' by aggressively pursuing an expanded manufacturing-driven trade policy and facilitating ease of doing business throughout the country," said James Rowland, Regional Director Government Affairs for Asia Pacific at Ford Motor Company and Co-Chair of the USIBC Manufacturing Executive Committee.
The policy priorities for the delegation were focused on three main areas: ease of doing business, international trade, and the GST implementation.
First, the delegation advocated for more collaboration between the state and central governments on issues such as standards, labour, and real estate.
Second, delegates encouraged the Government to further integrate India into the global trade community through joining forums such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), expanding the number of export markets by completing more trade agreements, and fully embracing the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Finally, the delegation discussed GST implementation and provided input from the manufacturing sector on critical areas of consideration for the GST.
"We were delighted by the level of engagement with Government officials. It's clear that they are serious about attracting investment in the manufacturing sector and are trying to implement the necessary steps," said Brandon Banner, Senior Manager for manufacturing at the USIBC.
"The purpose of this mission and of the USIBC Manufacturing Committee in general is to bring global manufacturers together with the Government of India to prioritize barriers to future investment and identify strategies to overcome them."
The USIBC delegation also participated in a U.S.-India Workshop on Trade Facilitation hosted in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The workshop brought together representatives from the U.S and Indian private sector and government officials to chart a path forward to implement the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
The mission was attended by senior representatives from General Motors, Dow, Lyondell Basell, Guardian Industries, Honeywell and Commercial Vehicle Group.
U.S.-India Business Council formed in 1975 at the request of the U.S. and Indian governments, the U.S.-India Business Council is the premier business advocacy organization, comprised of 400 top-tier U.S. and Indian companies advancing U.S.-India commercial ties.
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