Members of AMCHAM had an opportunity to interact with Ms. Thea D. Rozman Kendler, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce on April 27th in New Delhi (hybrid mode). Mr. Salil Gupte, Immediate Past Chairman, AMCHAM and President, Boeing India hosted the group and welcomed the Assistant Secretary and her colleagues from Washington DC. He gave a brief overview on the broad understanding of the role of most commercial items, often referred to as ‘dual-use’ items i.e. goods, software and technology that can be used for both civilian and military applications and how more clarity on the rules surrounding these items would be appreciated.

Around 20+ members participated in this roundtable to hear Assistant Secretary Kendler’s views on the Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce’s role in controlling the export of dual-use and military items for national security and foreign policy reasons and to analyze the impact of export controls, licence exceptions, Strategic Trade Authorization, its benefits, licence applications and methods to support the U.S. defense industrial base. The framework of the U.S.-India Strategic Trade Dialogue and its role in addressing export controls, exploring ways of enhancing high technology commerce, and facilitation of technology transfers, was discussed. Mr. Alexander Lopes, Director, Office of Nonproliferation and Treaty Compliance (NPTC), Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce, took the members through a presentation on ‘600 Series Overview’ covering U.S. export control lists, moving from International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) to Export Administration Regulations (EAR) of items. Members received clarity regarding U.S. export controls and technology transfer processes to pursue independent and stronger commercial and defense ties, and were encouraged to route further questions through AMCHAM.

On April 26th, AMCHAM organized a session on ‘Understanding India’s Foreign Trade Policy’ with Mr. Suresh Nair, Indirect Tax Partner and Tax Lead for Life Science and Chemical, EY India as part of the Western Region Thought Leadership Series in Mumbai. The session was conducted in hybrid mode and commenced with brief opening remarks by Ms. Iram Siddique, Regional Director – Western Region, AMCHAM. Mr. Hitesh Sharma, Western Region Executive Committee Member, AMCHAM and Partner, National Leader – Life Science, EY welcomed participants and set the stage for the session. In an interactive dialogue, Mr. Nair shared the context in which the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 was announced by Commerce Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal and the factors that affected the government’s policy. He pointed out on how the Foreign Trade Policy was not only dynamic but also responsive to the emerging trade scenario which aimed to have wider engagement with states, districts and promote exports from the grassroot level. Mr. Nair delved into the focus on e-commerce exports by way of streamline processes to enable ease for exports to grow in the e-commerce space. He emphasized on Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras as operations throughout the country and would work in a hub-and-spoke model with Foreign Post Offices (FPOs) to facilitate cross-border e-commerce, thus enabling artisans, weavers, craftsmen, MSMEs in the hinterland and land-locked regions to reach international markets. There was further discussion on how the policy looks at sector specific targets to achieve the goal of $1 trillion merchandise exports by 2030 and adopts a consultative mechanism to resolve issues of trade and industry. In a boost for the manufacturing sector, Mr. Nair spoke on how the mega integrated textile region and apparel scheme (PM MITRA) has been made eligible to claim benefits under CSP (common service provider) scheme of EPCG. He also highlighted how exporters would now be eligible for reduced export obligation requirement under the EPCG scheme with the same benefit being extended to LED lights of various kinds. Throughout the session and during the Q&A segment, Mr. Nair addressed questions raised by participants. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by AMCHAM.

AMCHAM’s Tamil Nadu Chapter organized a breakfast session on April 24th on the topic of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The meeting commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Rajan Aiyer, Chairman – Tamil Nadu Chapter, AMCHAM and MD – Trimble India, SAARC & Region, Trimble Information Technologies India. He set the stage for the interaction about Atmanirbhar Bharat and shared about how all businesses were trying to understand how to better support it and meet compliances related to it. To help members understand Atmanirbhar better the guest speaker was Mr. A. Viswanath, President, Delphi TVS. He began his presentation by outlining the concept of Atmanirbhar, highlighting the key drivers, the metamorphosis of manufacturing policy, NMP 2012 and recent government initiatives. Mr. Viswanath spoke about how the government continues to promote programs that seek to increase India’s self-sufficiency by promoting domestic industry and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and imported goods. The presentation highlighted how the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative would make India a global manufacturing hub. Mr. Viswanath dealt very elaborately on the five pillars of this policy (economy, infrastructure, system, vibrant demography and demand) and spoke on the threats and opportunities. The session included a Q&A segment with participants.

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India is organizing the first Northeast Global Investors Summit in August 2023 in New Delhi. The summit is intended to provide a platform for an immersive dialogue amongst all relevant stakeholders. Focus sectors include tourism and hospitality, agriculture, food processing, textiles, healthcare, education, skill development, IT/ITES, energy, etc. Under the leadership of Mr. Harpreet Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, a roundtable interaction with international business chambers/trade associations was organized by Invest India on April 20th. A presentation on the proposed summit, key elements, expectations from respective agencies/trade bodies and opportunities were shared by Invest India. Mr. Singh and his team sought suggestions and inputs from industry associations on how to make the proposed summit more engaging and meaningful.

On April 17th, AMCHAM met with Ms. Esha Srivastava, OSD (IC), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi to discuss collaboration with AMCHAM. It was discussed to bring more investment through U.S. based oil and gas companies which would lead to boosting the Indian economy and job creation in line with the vision of the Prime Minister.