Obama biz meet: Top industrialists to attend

The US-India Business Council (USIBC) in coordination with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci) is preparing a list of invitees for the business summit to be addressed by visiting US President Barack Obama.

The list would include Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata, Reliance Industries CMD Mukesh Ambani, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumarmangalam Birla, Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani, Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej, Essar Group head Shahi Ruia, Piramal Group Chairman Ajay Piramal and his wife, Assocham chief Swati Piramal.

The USIBC has asked CII and Ficci to also include new generation entrepreneurs and emerging businesses from MSME, agriculture, education, defence, clean energy and environment.

According to business chambers sources, about 500 invitees are expected to participate at the meeting which is scheduled for November 6. The summit would begin at 11 am and the US President is expected to address the gathering at 5 pm.

A senior protocol officer, who is involved in the preparations for Obama's visit, told Business Standard: "The venue for the summit will not be Taj Hotel. US administration officials and USIBC, along with CII and FICII, are assessing the possibilities of holding it either in Trident Hotel or at the NCPA auditorium in south Mumbai. Both venues have been booked." The official said Obama will stay with his family in Taj Hotel.