“Business Networking Meet”

December 6, 2019 (Friday), Chennai

Activity report

On behalf of Govt of Tamil Nadu and Hon’ble Chief Minister, Thiru M. C. Sampath,

Hon’ble Minister for Industries commended and thanked Indo-American Chamber of Commerce

(IACC) and Dr. A. Sakthivel, immediate Past Chairman for the exceptional involvement and

coordination in making the recent visit of the State High-level delegation to USA a highly

successful one. Led by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru. Edappadi K. Palaniswami

in his maiden visit, the State signed over 27 MoUs worth INR 8,835 crores of committed

investment from U.S. companies and partnerships with U.S. organizations in attracting future

investments.

Speaking at a business networking meet organised by Indo-American Chamber of Commerce on

December 6, 2019 in Chennai, Thiru. M. C. Sampath in his Chief Guest address congratulated

Chairman Mr. J. Jayaseelan on his new position and wished the new team to continue rendering

its valuable services to the industry. Addressing the members of IACC & invitees, Hon’ble

Industry Minister emphasised the advantages of Tamil Nadu and elaborated recent steps taken in

enhancing Infrastructure projects, Industrial corridors, SEZs etc. for the State to continue as an

ideal destination for Investors. The new policies were laid down by the Government in

Aerospace & Defence, Electric Vehicle sectors keeping in mind the industrial growth prospects

in the State. He also reiterated the significant role of existing American companies’ investments

in Tamil Nadu and efforts to attract next generation technologies from USA including the Tamil

Diaspora into the State.

While addressing the gathering, the Special Guest Mr. Robert Burgess, U.S. Consul General in

Chennai felt tremendous trade opportunities exists connecting Tamil Nadu and American

companies. Quoting a seven-fold increase in the two-way trade between India and USA of 142

billion dollars since 2001, he underscored the friendship of shared values and shared interest

amongst people of both the countries. Mr. Burgess, said they are delighted that Tamil Nadu

Chief Minister chose USA for his maiden trip and visit to centres like – New York, San

Francisco & Los Angeles and surprised with participation of large turnout of investors, business

communities including former U.S. Ambassador Mr. Frank Wisner.

He pointed out his continued engagement with IACC during his term and reminded inauguration

of IACC by then U.S. Ambassador Mr. Chester Bowles and prominent industry visionaries over

50 years ago, the need for promoting economic connections between India and USA. Along with

the U.S. Commercial Service, his office placed trade related activities on priority list. Though

individual States take delegations on their own, he informed the audience on the upcoming trade

mission in Biotech & water sector; Singapore Aeroshow; Select USA Investment Summit in

Washington DC 2020 and invited interested companies to utilise the opportunities to expand

their business.

Earlier, other dignitaries present and spoke as Guests of Honour on the occasion were

Mr. N. Muruganandam, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu

and Dr. Neeraj Mittal, IAS., M.D. & CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu. Mr. Muruganandam stated the

very presence of Hon’ble Industry Minister shows the importance the State attaches to USA & to

IACC. He echoed his happiness towards association of IACC at the recent high-level State

Government delegation visit to USA and thanked Dr. A. Sakthivel, for all his support during the

visit. He assured the audience in constructive participation by the Industry department in

facilitating investments and resolving the issues faced, in a stipulated time-frame.

Also, the launch of ‘Yadhu Oore’ scheme by Honourable Chief Minister aimed at Tamil

Diaspora signifies the State Government position in putting USA on top in attracting

investments. The Industry Secretary shared few examples in resolving issues faced by U.S.

companies in Tamil Nadu and formation of a Committee by the Chief Minister’s office thus

encouraging new investments.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, IAS., mentioned the launch of new logo for Guidance Tamil Nadu with tag

line – Invest, innovate and create to motive all investors across the globe to come and invest in

Tamil Nadu. He presented a short-film on Biz-buddy, a new helpline where industry can reach

out on pending issues, at any point of time. He said that Guidance as a single-window agency is

growing rapidly in its head count with focused team members and anyone can directly approach

his office for handholding investments into the State.

At the start of the event, Mr. J. Jayaseelan, Chairman – Tamil Nadu formally welcomed the

dignitaries on the dais and the participants. In his welcome remarks, he briefed about the various

activities of IACC. Delivering his special address, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman - Government

Affairs and immediate Past Chairman, IACC (Tamil Nadu) thanked the Industries Department

for closely working with IACC in the previous Global Investors Meet (GIM 2015 & 2019) and

assured IACC’s involvement to a greater extend in the days to come. He also shared his

experience traveling with the State Govt. delegation to USA.

In conclusion, Dr. A. Sakthivel, immediate past Chairman was felicitated by Honourable

Minister Mr. M.C. Sampath for his proactive leadership role with a memento and a collage of

photos taken during his Chairmanship period.

Finally, vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. V.N. Parthasarathy, Vice-Chairman, IACC to all

dignitaries, members, invitees and sponsors in making the event a grand success.

Participation at the event include CEOs / Directors from companies like Roots Group,

Nuray Chemicals, Caterpillar, Boeing, Heat & Control, Emerson, CNSI, Bahwan Cybertek Pvt

Ltd, Carbonaire Industries (Madras) Pvt. Ltd, Poly Hose India Pvt Ltd, Poppys Vista Hotel

Private Limited, Qmax Test Equipments Pvt. Ltd., Syrma Technology Pvt Ltd, Srinar Electronics

Pvt Ltd, TATA consultancy Services, UCAL Fuel Systems limited, Voltech Engineers Pvt. Ltd.,

WABCO India Limited, Toshiba Machine (Chennai) Pvt. Ltd., HUBELL, NCR Corporation, TPI

composites LLP, Honeywell etc., The meet served as a platform for building effective business

relationship with key decision makers and creating opportunities for members & invitees to

interact, strengthen ties and forge new relationships.

Captions:

Mr. J. Jayaseelan, Chairman and Dr. A. Sakthivel, Immediate Past Chairman of

Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, Tamil Nadu

Mr. J. Jayaseelan, Chairman (TN), IACC rendering his welcome address

Dr. A. Sakthivel, Immediate Past Chairman (TN), IACC giving his special address to the gathering

Dr. Neeraj Mittal IAS., MD and CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu addressing the recent initiatives for the

benefit of Industry

Mr. N. Muruganandam IAS., Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Govt of Tamil Nadu is

addressing the audience on Ease of doing business in Tamil Nadu – The way forward.

Mr. Robert G Burgess, US Consul General, American Consulate General, Chennai giving his special

address to the audience

Thiru M.C. Sampath, Honb’le Minister for Industries, Govt of Tamil Nadu delivering his

Chief Guest address

Mr. J. Jayaseelan, Chairman and Thiru M.C. Sampath, Honb’le Minister for Industries,

Govt of Tamil Nadu

Mr. Manoj Desai, Principal Commercial Officer, American Consulate General, Chennai interacting with

the audience

Mr. J. Jayaseelan, Chairman (TN), IACC presenting memento to Thiru M.C. Sampath,

Honb’le Minister for Industries, Govt of Tamil Nadu

Mr. P. Kailas, Vice-Chairman, IACC (TN) presenting memento to Mr. Robert G Burgess,

US Consul General, American Consulate General, Chennai

Mr. K .Ramasamy, Committee member and Executive Chairman & Managing Director, Roots Industries

India Ltd presenting memento to Dr. Neeraj Mittal IAS., MD and CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu

Dr. A. Sakthivel is felicitated by Honb’le Minister for Industries, Govt of Tamil Nadu

A Section of audience

Group photo of IACC office bearers along with dignitaries on the dais.

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