On the occasion of Vibrant Gujarat 2017, AmCham India in partnership with the U.S. Consulate, Mumbai and the U.S. India Business Council, met with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr. Vijay Rupani and key officials of the Government of Gujarat at Mahatma Mandir on Wednesday, 11th January 2017. The roundtable meeting saw a sizeable and diverse representation from captains of U.S. industry. The interaction focused on business opportunities and challenges pertaining to investment and operations in the vibrant and progressive state.

The roundtable interaction began with opening remarks by Mr. John Chambers, Chairman, USIBC, followed by remarks by Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President, USIBC, thanking the CM for the opportunity for AmCham and USIBC delegates to learn of his vision and priorities for the state. This in turn would enable U.S. industry to make a difference and align to the goals of the state fostering growth and sustainable development in Gujarat. The Hon’ble CM affirmatively commented that he was happy that U.S. was a partner country to the event despite the recently held U.S. elections and that he was keen to learn and listen to the captains of the industry that contribute and support the significant industrial growth in the state. He also shared that his senior team of officials that were present would be happy to respond to comments/questions from the participating delegates.

During the interactive session that followed Mr. Richard Rekhy, Vice Chairperson, National Executive Board, AmCham India and CEO, KPMG in India, brought forth a few propositions and comments which included a high level committee to keep up to speed the communication on developments, opportunities, follow up and support post Vibrant Gujarat 2017, suitable reforms and policies for GST, opportunities for MSME’s to set up shop in Gujarat/India, opportunities for U.S. companies to partner on smart city projects in the state, development of the coastal zone and support to electronics manufacturing entities.

Ms. Kaku Nakhate, Member, National Executive Board, AmCham India and President & Country Head (India), Bank of America N.A., spoke of the engagement of Bank of America in the states ambitious project of Gift City as well as the seriousness and interest of U.S. companies to partner with the state on their CSR initiatives to create awareness, employment, development, deployment etc of projects.

Other key comments included propositions and projects on electronic and digital payments, promoting tribal products, improvising on the logistics network, PPP in healthcare as well as power, operational challenges in GIDC in water and road.

U.S. Consul General Tom Vajda (Mumbai) congratulated the CM on behalf of the U.S. government on a successful Vibrant Gujarat sharing the interest of U.S. companies in the state. He appreciated the access and support received from the CM and his team to American companies.

Senior representatives from the departments responded on the relevant issues providing suggestions and opportunities to participants. It was decided to create a working group which would include relevant representatives from the Government of Gujarat, AmCham India, U.S. Consulate Mumbai and USIBC that would meet every 2-3 months to keep an ongoing platform for engagement and open communication. The roundtable concluded with a vote of thanks on behalf of AmCham India and USIBC.