COVID-19 Disaster Management Task Force Meeting

In view of the current crisis, AMCHAM created a COVID-19 Disaster Management Task Force for members to collaborate and leverage on the collective strengths as partners in the mission to support the Government of India (central and state) through these challenging times. The first meeting was held virtually over Webex on April 29th. Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM gave opening remarks and urged members to work together for good. In his opening remarks, Mr. Ankur Malhotra, Chairman – COVID-19 Disaster Management Task Force, AMCHAM and Head, Corporate Affairs & CSR, Hewlett Packard Enterprise India, shared about HPE’s committee in creating COVID labs and vaccination centers. He encouraged member companies to rethink their CSR plans during this time.

Mr. Sudhendu J. Sinha, Advisor, NITI Aayog, Government of India, addressed participants and queries on cash donations, equipment needs and logistics related concerns. The main urgent requirements highlighted included 1) oxygen cylinders (10 liters and 45 liters) 2) oxygen concentrators 3) Remdesivir 4) Tocilizumab and 5) ventilators and bypass machines. Mr. Mudit Narain, Chief Technical Officer, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, addressed members on proposals focused on oxygen related needs. From Invest India, Ms. Anusha Bhagat and Mr. Dushyant Thakor, gave a state by state overview of urgent requirements. AMCHAM would hold the next meeting of the task force on May 3rd.

Membership

By joining AMCHAM India, you become part of an active and dynamic Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India with a membership base of more than 400 American companies in India. AMCHAM is an important voice for policy advocacy, a critical source for business intelligence, a vibrant platform for networking and expanding your business.

Transition to Clean Energy Technologies in Refining and Petrochemicals

On April 6th, AMCHAM, in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service in India and the Centre for High Technology (CHT), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, organized a webinar on ‘Transition to Clean Energy Technologies in Refining and Petrochemicals.’ Ms. Preetha Nair, Chairperson – Energy Committee, AMCHAM, delivered opening remarks. Ms. Aileen Nandi, Honorary USG Chair – Energy Committee, AMCHAM and Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, U.S. Embassy, spoke about market entry challenges faced by U.S. companies at the time of introducing innovative and disruptive technology solutions. Mr. K.K. Jain, Executive Director, CHT, spoke on the future of the refining and petrochemical sector in India. Dr. S.S.V. Ramakumar, Director (R&D), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. made a presentation on priority areas for deployment of innovative and disruptive technology solutions for India towards transitioning to clean energy. Dr. Kenneth R. Vincent, Director, Office of Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy spoke on furthering U.S.-India collaboration through the U.S.-India strategic energy partnership. Mr. Sushil Williams, Deputy Secretary (Refineries), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas spoke about the initiatives taken by the Government of India towards transitioning to clean energy. This was followed by presentations on clean energy technologies by seven identified U.S. companies on areas such as hydrogen, carbon capture, industrial process efficiency/energy efficiency, water desalination technology, biofuel catalytic system, zero liquid discharge and brine management, waste plastic conversion amongst others. Q&A followed and the program was concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM.

Membership

By joining AMCHAM India, you become part of an active and dynamic Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India with a membership base of more than 400 American companies in India. AMCHAM is an important voice for policy advocacy, a critical source for business intelligence, a vibrant platform for networking and expanding your business.