On 4th October, Mr. Patrick Santillo, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the U.S Embassy in Delhi had an interactive session with members of AmCham’s Eastern Region. Mr. Craig Hall, the U.S. Consul General in Kolkata, and Mr. Jonathan Ward, the Commercial Service Officer accompanied him. The purpose of the session was for Mr. Santillo to understand the commercial aspects of eastern India and the role AmCham, as a business body, plays in attracting American business to the region. Mr. Santillo said that he was happy to be in Kolkata so early in his arrival to India. He mentioned that India was very different from other countries where he served. He also mentioned that his office is very grateful that AmCham had given a seat to the consulate on its executive committee and that this is not taken for granted. He said that this was a year of partnership between the Government of India and the USA on tourism and that both governments were working closely on the development of tourism. Mr. Craig Hall said that America has a great vision of the U.S.-India economic relationship and that priority was being given to eastern India.

Mr. K.P. Sengupta, Chairman – AmCham Eastern Region, gave the welcome address. Mr. Amit Malik, AmCham Eastern Region Executive Committee member, moderated the session and gave the concluding remarks and Ms. Amada Kidwai, Regional Director – Eastern Region, AmCham, did the introductions.