On September 30th, AMCHAM’s Western Region welcomed the new U.S. Consul General to Mumbai, Mr. David J. Ranz, at a roundtable with distinguished members of the region. The event commenced with a round of introductions by all participants showcasing the wide array of industry representation. This was immediately followed by welcome remarks and a presentation showcasing AMCHAM India and Western Region membership, objectives, vision, past present and future roadmap by Ms. Ursula Thakkar, Chairperson – Western Region, AMCHAM and Managing Director, Lubrizol Advanced Materials India. Ms. Kaku Nakhate, Vice Chairperson, AMCHAM and President & Country Head, India, Bank of America N.A., made an address and introduced Consul General Ranz.

Consul General Ranz began his remarks by stating the critical importance of partnership between AMCHAM India and the U.S. Consulate. He briefly shared his experiences from his previous postings and the perspectives he brings vis-a-vis U.S.-India trade relations because of them. He also stated that he is optimistic about the U.S.-India relationship without brushing under the rug the real challenges in the system. Through his address he touched upon the effects of volatile tariff rates and tax structures, liberalization of economic policies and the need for better consultation between the government and the private sector. The Consul General expressed his strong advocacy for diversity and inclusion and stated his intent to support and partner with AMCHAM’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He also highlighted that one of his main focus points during his tenure, apart from building U.S.-India trade relations, is to promote education and women empowerment at the workplace.

In the interactive discussion with Consul General Ranz, members shared their organization’s efforts in encouraging gender diversity at technology centres and in manufacturing units. Members also shared an overview of successes and challenges with regard to reforms by the state government. The welcome reception concluded with a vote of thanks and concluding remarks by Mr. Sudhir Shenoy, Co-Chairman – Western Region, AMCHAM and CEO, Dow Chemical International.