Will focus on building ties with India: Nikki Haley

Indian-origin Governor of the US state of South Carolina, Nikki Haley on Thursdaysaid she is very optimistic about India and will focus on building ties between the two countries.

"We are very optimistic about where India is going and believe that the world is looking at the country enthusiastically. "

"We see a lot of opportunity to do business in India and also Indian entrepreneurs can benefit by investing in South Carolina. We will focus on trying to find ways to build ties between the two nations," Haley told reporters on the sidelines of a CII conference on 'Women in Leadership'.

Haley said she has initiated talks with industries like, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, Information Technology, agriculture and auto among others.

"We have talked to all industries here to invest in to South Carolina, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, Information Technology, agriculture," she said, adding that her state will help Indian players set up their business there.

The Governor also said she would like to take delegations from India to South Carolina to encourage investment.

"I would like to take a delegation from here to my state to attract investment. We are looking to sign many Memoranda of Understanding with Indian Universities for research and training in the future," she said.

This is just the beginning of a relationship between India and South Carolina and initially the focus will be on what is similar between both the countries, she added.

Talking about leadership, Haley urged women to push their way out instead of pulling back when they are scared or nervous and assured them that this is the only way they can discover their true potential and be an inspiration for other women.