Nikki Haley Spreads Welcome Mat for Indian Companies

Washington: Keen to expand trade contacts with India, South Carolina's Indian American governor Nikki Haley has assured Indian companies the required infrastructural assistance to establish themselves in the state.

Born Nimrata Nikki Randhawa to Sikh immigrant parents, the first Indian American governor of a US State held out the assurance to the Indian ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao during a recent visit to South Carolina.

Rao, according to the Indian Embassay had extensive discussions with Haley and South Carolina Commerce Secretary Robert Hitt.

The Governor also expressed her willingness to host any Indian business delegation visiting the US for consultations.

Praisung the role of the Indian American community in promoting India-US relations, Haley said she was keen to expand trade contacts with India.

South Carolina has a business-friendly atmosphere Haley said pointing to the existence of major industries like the BMW, Boeing, Michelin, a well developed Information Technology sector and Research and Development Centres, renowned Institutes of Higher Education and a major port like the Charleston Port.

Rao in turn also expressed a desire to expand ties between India and South Carolina and said India would like to avail of the experience of the State in the field of infrastructure development, education and research & development.

Informing Haley of her popularity in India, she invited the Governor to visit India, which could pave way for Indian businesses, which are already established in 43 U.S. States, to also look at South Carolina as an investment and business destination.

According yo U.S. commerce department figures, US imports from India via South Carolina grew by 47.157 percent from $ 557 million during the year 2010 to $ 820 million during the year 2011. India ranks 9th in terms of US imports from different countries through South Carolina.

Exports from South Carolina to India grew by 26.19 percent from $ 491 million during the year 2010 to $ 619 million during the year 2011. India ranks as 7th largest destination of US exports through South Carolina.