The Indo-US Symposium focused on Himachal Pradesh was organised today by the Indo-American Business and Arts Council (IABAC) in association with the Indian Consul General of San Francisco and supported by Himachalies of Bay Area through a virtual interface.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur through a virtual message welcomed the delegates attending the symposium, appreciated the efforts of IABAC and invited them to visit & enjoy the beauty of Dev Bhoomi-Himachal Pradesh. He also invited the interested investors to explore the immense investment opportunities in the State.
Additional Chief Secretary (Industries and Power) R.D. Dhiman on behalf of the Chief Minister thanked IABAC for organising the event and expressed his pleasure for this initiative. He also highlighted the distinct advantages offered by the State Government to the investors such as affordable land cost, high quality and reliable power, proactive and accessible administration. He further shared that Himachal Pradesh is one of the leading States in Ease of Doing Business Reforms such as Online Single Window Clearances System, self-certification for MSMEs for setting up units, online regular tracking and monitoring by Chief Minister’s Office.
US Congressman Rohit Khanna representing Bay Area San Francisco, California, Dr. Nagendra Prasad, Consul General of India at San Francisco, Mahesh Nihalani, expert in Social Work were the key speakers from the Bay Area. The symposium provided a platform to bring the State government, businesses together to share and explore new investment and business opportunities in the State. Rohit Khanna briefed the audience that he has roots from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh and supports this initiative.
Investors showed keen interest in the hospitality and IT sector. Sam Devdhara (owner of hotel chain in the Bay Area) expressed his interest in the hospitality sector. Amit Zavery (General Manager, Google Cloud) mentioned its clientele in India including Government departments and potential opportunities for Google in Himachal Pradesh.
Mahesh Nihalani invited a high-powered delegation of the State Government to visit Bay Area, California for the Himachal Day celebrations and hold an Investors Meet with investors of Silicon Valley.