Dr. Warner gave a brief on the current visa situation and mentioned that visas are currently being processed only for those who already had them earlier via the interview waiver program. There are no physical presence issue of visas, unless it is an emergency and the emergency has to be mentioned to enable it to be considered. There was Q&A portion in which members asked Dr. Warner any questions on visas and his initial experience in Kolkata. The meeting concluded with thanks to Dr. Warner for spending a considerable amount of time in answering queries and AMCHAM wished him best for his tenure in the City of Joy.

AMCHAM’s Northern Region Council Executive Committee had its first meeting for 2020-21 on September 11th. The meeting was chaired by Mr. William Blair, Chairman – Northern Region, AMCHAM and Vice President and Chief Executive Lockheed Martin India Private Limited. The committee was briefed by Wg Cdr Rajiv Anand on the status of actionable points from the previous meeting. Members extensively discussed the aspect and importance of interaction with states in north India and the format of Joint Working Groups being proposed for the same.Discussions also centered around how AMCHAM can be supportive of the national initiative of Atmanirbhar Bharat by engaging at the right levels and be active partners in this direction. This would also capture and recognize the relevance and significance of U.S. FDI in economic revival within states. Members offered to support state initiatives with data and work that has already been accomplished. The council would summarize decisions taken during the meeting and prepare an action plan accordingly.