Indian-American Governor seeks investment which she termed as “partnership” from the “most spectacular nation”
A day after Devendra Fadnavis government announced “Make in Maharashtra” policy which is yet to see takers, the Indian-origin governor of South Carolina Nikki Randhava Haley pitched for “Make in South Carolina” as she visited the commercial capital on Wednesday along with a huge business delegation.
The young governor who who has been able to turn around her state within four years of her tenure by dynamism and pro-industry policies sought to woo the India industrialists in an event organised by the All India Association of Industries at World Trade Centre by showcasing her state’s policies which included availability of land, low-taxes, lesser regulations, no-labour unions, tailor-made skilled workforce and many others -- all in front of the Maharashtra’s industry minister Prakash Mehta.
“We have all the big industries in south Carolina -- from plane to BMW to tyre to carbon fibre -- as we have created an atmosphere for businesses to grow. We are the best state in the US to do business with and invest in, not New Jersey or any other state. All industry leaders in my state have my number,” says Haley who is on 10-day trip to India along with her Army officer husband and a huge business delegation which is exploring the sectors for mutual collaboration.
Dressed in a formal attire of skirt and coat, Haley widened her scope by saying, “I have come here so that we can start sharing information and experiences for our future partnerships and quality relationships. We are building cars, planes, carbon fibres, tyres and generic drugs. However, all sectors are open for collaboration to South Carolina. We have great cuisines, amazing beaches, peaceful life and wonderful people. You may come to spend a vacation or make it a retirement home.”
For investment in Maharashtra from South Carolina side, she said her government is open to explore the opportunities. IT, generic drugs and agriculture could be the prime sectors.
Drawing similarities between her policies with the Indian PM Modi’s policy, Haley who had met Modi during latter’s US visit, said, “I have lessened regulations, lowered taxes and focused on skill development as per the demand of the industry which has created a lot of jobs and reduced unemployment. PM Modi is also doing the same. Our president Barack Obama described Modi as a 'man of action'. I found him the same.”
Haley said, “India is the most spectacular nation and I have my roots here, in Amritsar. Last time when I came to India I was just two and I do not remember anything. But what I do know is that the entrepreneurial spirit that's developing in India, the business partnership that we could have with India is one that I want.”
No White House aspirations, I am just trying to survive as guv
On dna query about her presidential aspirations, she laughed, “I am just trying to survive as governor of South Carolina”. “This is not my last trip to India. I would like to come again and again,” says Halley admitting that benefits of her efforts would be visible only after 10 years.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}