AMCHAM’s Manufacturing Committee and Supply Chain & Logistics Committee held a joint meeting on February 18th over Webex. Ms. Surabhi Wahal, Regional Director – Western Region, AMCHAM opened the meeting and moderated. Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM welcomed participants and highlighted how infrastructure development would strengthen the supply chain and ease of doing manufacturing business. Mr. Sanjay Koul, Chairman – Manufacturing Committee, AMCHAM and Chairman & Managing Director, Timken India, in his opening remarks touched upon inward investments in the sector, policy support, IP enforcement and labor productivity. Mr. Praveen Gosain, Chairman – Supply Chain & Logistics Committee, AMCHAM and Director (Supply Chain India), Corning Technologies India, in his opening remarks highlighted how the supply chain was exposed during the pandemic but was optimistic about the future outlook. Ms. Ann Mason, Trade and Technology Unit Chief, U.S. Embassy, urged members to share their challenges and concerns with the Embassy. AMCHAM expressed gratitude for the continued support of the U.S. Mission to U.S. companies.

Members shared their information and concerns about around harmonization of standards, sustainable technologies, customs and shipping delays, digital manufacturing and the inverted duty structure, among other topics. Participants deliberated on the theme of a joint signature event for the committees and potential focus areas for a manufacturing panel at AMCHAM’s Annual General Meeting in April. Best practice sharing topics on electronics manufacturing and sustainability were highlighted. Topics for future government representations were also discussed. The closing remarks and vote of thanks were given by Mr. Mukul Varshney, Co-Chairman – Manufacturing Committee, AMCHAM and Director – Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications, John Deere India. Recognizing that both the government and industry want to have a thriving manufacturing sector, he mentioned there are various challenges faced that should be compartmentalized to leverage advocacy best. The joint meeting was well attended with more than 40 participats.