On October 31st in Mumbai, AMCHAM hosted an interaction with Mr. Arun Venkataraman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, Global Markets, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. industry leadership. Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM welcomed Assistant Secretary Arun Venkataraman, Mr. Mike Hankey, Consul General, U.S. Consulate General Mumbai and Mr. Jonathan Heimer, Honorary National Executive Board Member, AMCHAM and Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, U.S. Embassy. This was followed by brief welcome remarks by Mr. Sarthak Ranade, Chairman – Western Region, AMCHAM and Managing Director – Janssen India, Johnson & Johnson Pvt. Ltd.

Consul General Mike Hankey set the tone for the discussion. He highlighted efforts by various departments at the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai to advance bilateral prosperity, help achieve societies that reflect inclusion, build fundamental securities and strengthen value chains in the region. Assistant Secretary Venkataraman spoke of the critical partnership between the U.S. and India, the unparalleled opportunity for bilateral relations in the current geopolitical scenario and scope for increased business.

Senior leaders from U.S. industry representing pharmaceutical, finance, private equity, consulting, food, agriculture and manufacturing sectors shared their perspectives, issues and concerns in the ease of doing business. The discussion highlighted the need for a component manufacturing ecosystem in India, the growing focus on R&D and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry and challenges faced by member companies with regards to intellectual property infringement, regulations in the agriculture and food processing industry and financial sector reforms. Mr. Sarthak Ranade provided a vote of thanks to the Assistant Secretary and the U.S. Consulate for their efforts in strengthening the U.S.-India relationship. He also thanked members for their valuable insights, sharing concerns of their respective industries and making it a meaningful interaction.