The U.S. Country Seminar ‘Exploring U.S.-India Collaboration: Bilateral Momentum & Sector Potential’ organized by AMCHAM India, as part of Vibrant Gujarat 2024 took place on January 11th in Gandhinagar. Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO welcomed participants and provided an overview of the session. Mr. Som Satsangi, Chairman, AMCHAM and SVP and MD, India, Hewlett Packard Enterprise gave opening remarks about the thriving business ecosystem in Gujarat. Mr. Rushikesh Patel, Minister of Health and Education, Government of Gujarat, in his inaugural address shared valuable insights into the education sector. Dr. Sanjeev Khagram, Dean & Director General, Thunderbird Global Management School, Arizona State University shared about the ‘Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative’ including the signing of an MOU with the local government and the launch of the initiative in the Gujarati language. Mr. Naveen Aggarwal, Office Managing Partner – Delhi NCR, U.S. – India Corridor Leader, KPMG in India, as the knowledge partner, meticulously unravelled the dynamics of U.S.-India cooperation in a presentation ‘Exploring U.S.-India Collaboration: Bilateral Momentum & Sector Potential.’

Mr. Raj Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat, kicked off the session with a keynote address, delving into the state’s economic policies, strategic initiatives, and incentives designed to attract global investments. This was followed by a panel discussion aimed at strengthening economic ties between the United States and Gujarat, illuminating the state’s dynamic and promising investment landscape, with a special emphasis on the manufacturing sector which was moderated by Ms. Khushboo Kundalia, Partner, Indirect Taxes. The session explored India’s economic trajectory, capital influx, and technological interventions in AI, with panelists, Mr. Chandrakant Nayak, Chairman – Western Region, AMCHAM and CEO & Country President, Dow India, Mr. Anand Jha, MD – Government Relations, Blackstone, Mr. Yash Kansal, Deputy MD, APCO Worldwide, Mr. Rahul M. Rao, Distinguished Engineer, IBM India and Mr. Nilam Patel, MD – India Operations, S&P Global. The session delved into policy steps for GIFT City, factors to enhance MNC investments, sustaining India’s manufacturing momentum, global chip shortage insights, and the U.S.-India MoU on semiconductors. During the seminar, Mr. Anand Jha emphasized the need for a dedicated judicial bench in GIFT City to handle financial cases separately, akin to a fast-track bench, distinct from civil cases. Mr. Nilam Patel urged the government and corporates to focus on building an inclusive ecosystem with a favourable environment that promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment. Mr. Chandrakant Nayak highlighted the green wave in chemicals and the evolving bilateral partnership in the sector. The concluding moments featured all panellists sharing insights on why Vibrant Gujarat remains a top investment choice, and the session concluded with a concise summary, providing a comprehensive overview of India’s economic landscape, policy initiatives, and global collaborations.