Welcome Reception in Honour of Mr. Edgard D. Kagan, Consul General, U.S. Consulate General Mumbai
28th August 2017
On 28th August 201, AMCHAM’s Western Region welcomed the new U.S. Consul General to Mumbai, Mr. Edgard D. Kagan, over a working breakfast with distinguished members of the region. The event started with a warm welcome by Ms. Surabhi Wahal, Regional Director – Western Region, AMCHAM, who brought in the magnetic spirit of Mumbai with a video clipping of the U.S. Consulate Mumbai, which captured warm greetings extended to the CG by people from different walks of life, Bollywood included! The video was followed by a presentation showcasing AMCHAM and the Western Region’s membership, vision and future roadmap. Three significant publications of AMCHAM, capturing the essence of the capabilities of AMCHAM’s member companies, CSR initiatives and AMCHAM’s journey of 25 years, were presented to CG Kagan.

Mr. Mahesh Krishnamurti, Chairman – Western Region, AMCHAM and Managing Director, RGP India, expressed how delighted AMCHAM was to welcome the Consul General. He went on to share insight into the wonderful partnership that AMCHAM has shared with the U.S. Consulate over the years and that we looked forward to many more partnerships under his able leadership. Ms. Kaku Nakhate, National Executive Board Member, AMCHAM and Country Head, Bank of America, made an address capturing the success of AMCHAM’s door knock delegation to Washington D.C. As a distinguished leader of the banking and financial services, she shared a brief overview on the Indian economy with a focus on the developments post demontisation and GST. Ms. Nakhate further went on to welcome the Consul General to Mumbai. Consul General Kagan was felicitated with a floral bouquet.

CG Kagan began his remarks by commending the commitment and engagement of AMCHAM’s members. He stated that it was in the DNA of the U.S. Consulate to partner with AMCHAM and how his predecessor had spoken highly of AMCHAM’s support and contribution towards U.S. companies operating in the country. He briefly shared his experiences of his previous postings urging members to continue to reach out to him and the Consulate. CG Kagan expressed his special interest in AMCHAM’s sectoral committees and CSR initiatives. He shared his intent to build on the Indo – U.S. trade relations. Last, but not least, he stated that he looks forward to his time in Mumbai.

The event continued with a round of introductions by all participants showcasing the wide array of industry representation in the region. The floor was then opened to discussion with Consul General Kagan. Members spoke of the their experiences of working with AMCHAM and the U.S. Consulate, the impact of their interactions with leaders of the state government as well as the challenges faced and issues that they would like to address in forthcoming events. The Consul General appreciated the insightful discussion and closed with a promise to listen and action to the best of his ability.

The welcome reception concluded with a vote of thanks and concluding remarks by Mr. Ron Reed, Vice Chairman – Western Region Committee, AMCHAM and Managing Director – Petroleum & Chemicals, Jacobs Engineering India Pvt. Ltd. The event was powered by Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.