Georgia eyes more business from India

Georgian Governor Sonny Perdue has said that his state shares a dynamic relationship with India, particularly strong in the field of trade.

"Georgia and the United States share a dynamic relationship with India, and I am encouraged by the new global business opportunities for both countries that will result from this summit," Perdue said on Tuesday at the inaugural USA India Business Summit held in Atlanta.

The two-day summit that saw the participation from economic development and business representatives from both countries, besides Indian Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar, concluded on Wednesday.

"I am pleased Georgia was selected to host the first- ever USA India Business Summit in Atlanta, which is certainly a testament to Georgia's diverse economy and constantly growing international presence," Perdue said.

With the theme of "Growing Business and Promoting Entrepreneurship," the USA India Business Summit was aimed at promoting enhanced bilateral cooperation between the US and India.

"As host of the inaugural USA India Business Summit, Georgia's stock as a leader in global commerce is greatly enhanced," said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

"India is one of our state's longstanding trade partners, which is a credit to Georgia's strategic assets and progressive business environment that makes these bilateral opportunities possible," Stewart said.

In 2009, India announced it would locate a Consulate General for the US Southeast in Atlanta. The Indian consulate would represent the 64th country to locate a trade office in Georgia. Georgia's exports to India totaled more than $420 million in 2009, representing a 35 per cent increase since 2008.

Among US states, Georgia ranks first in its exports of chemical products, kaolin, and textile floor coverings to India.

Other top exports to India include aircraft and spacecraft products, electrical machinery, wood pulp, iron and steel, and paper and paperboard. Georgian imports from India through the Savannah Customs District totaled close to $842 million in 2009.

The state's top imports from India include apparel, pharmaceutical products, nuclear reactors and boilers, and other textile articles.

Among all US states, Georgia ranks seventh on dollar value of imports from India in 2009. Nearly 20 Indian firms do business in Georgia, including Wipro Technologies, Mahindra USA, Novelis Corporation and Navtech LLC.