(DES MOINES) - In an effort to strengthen Iowa's trade and investment relationship with one of the world's fastest growing economies, Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad today announced that he will lead a delegation of business leaders on a six-day trade and investment mission to India September 10-16. The announcement was made today during a webinar on opportunities and challenges in entering the Indian market that featured the governor and U.S. Ambassador to India, Nancy J. Powell, a native of Cedar Falls.
"India's economy has transformed in the last couple of decades and is forecasted to be one of the world's largest economies in coming years," said Gov. Branstad. "With India's tremendous growth and a burgeoning young and career-oriented middle class, it is an excellent opportunity to promote Iowa as a U.S. headquarters for Indian companies, particularly those in biotech, information solutions and advanced manufacturing, and also open new trade doors for Iowa small and mid-sized businesses."
The trade mission is being organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), with support from various organizations including the U.S. Department of Commerce's Commercial Service and the Confederation of Indian Industry. Iowa mission delegates will visit Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, the country's major business and industry centers.
As part of the mission, the Governor, IEDA director Debi Durham and delegation will meet with potential investment and trade partners and government leaders in each of the cities.
While the itinerary is still being developed, Gov. Branstad is also scheduled to meet with business leaders who have expressed an interest in establishing an Iowa location and representatives from existing industry. Iowa companies will participate in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs and attend daily briefings on doing business in India. Prior to joining the mission in Mumbai, Gov. Branstad will make a brief stop in New Delhi to attend a luncheon hosted by the U.S. Embassy.
The IEDA works to stimulate foreign direct investment in the state, offers export assistance for small and mid-sized Iowa companies and coordinates international trade and investment missions and trade show opportunities for Iowa companies. Iowa companies interested in participating in the trade mission can contact Ms. Victoria Nwasike at victoria.nwasike@iowa.gov.
For more information on resources available to Iowa businesses that want to market their products or services globally, visit www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.
