Former US Consul General talks about regional connectivity and business cooperation in Kolkata IMAGE

Former US Consul General talks about regional connectivity and business cooperation in Kolkata

by IBNS 02 Dec 2017, 11:19 am

Kolkata, Dec 2 (IBNS): The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently organised an interactive session with Thomas Vajda, Acting Deputy, Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs, US Department of State, on the topic Regional Connectivity and Trade at the Bengal Chamber premises.

Working within the State Department’s Bureau for South and Central Asian Affairs, Vajda oversees US policy towards and diplomatic relations with India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. 

 
He served as US Consul General in Mumbai from 2014-2017.
 
The Chamber, which plays a key role in promoting an ecosystem for business exchanges and linkages for its members and stakeholders, organised this session as part of its efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between India and the US. 
  
 
“The Bengal Chamber is engaged in showcasing West Bengal’s role in enhancing land, water and marine connectivity with East and South East Asia,” said Subhodip Ghosh, Director General, the Bengal Chamber.
 
 At the interactive session, stakeholders focused on regional connectivity and business opportunities between India and the US, said Ambarish Dasgupta, Past President, the Bengal Chamber.
 
Thomas L Vajda spoke about an increasing US interest in India.  
 
He said that as connectivity with the east increases through land, air and water, it also opens up channels for business expansion.
 
He also spoke about the US being an important power exporter to India. 
 
He also mentioned about a contract concluded between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Westinghouse regarding setting up of six nuclear reactors in India.