AMCHAM organized a briefing with U.S. Embassy officials on 21st November at the American Center, New Delhi, on the outcomes of the U.S. – India Trade Policy Forum and the U.S. – India Commercial Dialogue that took place at the end of October in Washington D.C. Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM, made opening remarks and introduced the speakers from the embassy who also serve as honorary members of AMCHAM’s National Executive Board.

Mr. Robert Garverick, Minister Counselor for Economic, Environment, Science and Technology Affairs, U.S. Embassy, summarized the U.S. – India Trade Policy Forum which was co-chaired by United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer and Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Suresh Prabhu. Mr. Garverick emphasized his desire to learn about the business environment and how India has great potential for even more U.S. investment. He talked about the U.S. administration’s emphasis on free, fair and reciprocal trade. Some of the topics discussed included market access, IP protection, standards and trade facilitation at customs.

Mr. Patrick Santillo, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, U.S. Embassy, mentioned that formal G2G dialogues are conducive to information sharing and emphasized the fact that the commercial dialogue (now separated from the strategic dialogue) can have a more focused intent. The three workstreams for the commercial dialogue include standards, business climate and tourism. There would be series of workshops on standards that focus on water and environment, smart and sustainable cites, and clean energy. He discussed the need to reconstitute the U.S. – India CEO Forum. Mr. Santillo also encouraged AMCHAM members to utilize the Consuls General in the U.S. Consulates.

An interactive Q&A followed which was moderated by Mr. Phil Shaw, Chairman – Defense Committee and NEB Member, AMCHAM and Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India. Some of the topics discussed included agriculture, IP enforcement, retail, imports, public procurement, and price controls, among others. Mr. Shaw thanked the speakers for their time and thanked AMCHAM members for their participation.