Economic Reforms and Fresh Strides in US India Relations

CHICAGO, IL: The US India Chamber of Commerce, Midwest organized its “2018 Annual Gala Dinner” on December 07, 2018 at Ashyana Banquets, Downers Grove, Illinois. The theme of the event was “The New India-Recent Economic Reforms and Fresh Strides in US India Relations”.

The event was graced by Neeta Bhushan Consul General of India, Ms. Nicki Anderson, President/CEO, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Amit Jhingran, CEO, State Bank of India, Chicago, Commissioner Frank Avila, Commissioner, MWRD. The event was also attended by distinguished guests Pastor Larry Bullock, CEO,US Minority Contractors Association, Ms. Malini Vaidyanathan, Manager Midwest, Air India and Dr. Bharat Barai a prominent Physician and Indian Community Leader from Indiana and many other industry leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals

Mr Porus Dadabhoy made the initial welcome and invited the gathering to take their seats and invited Dr. Ajit Pant, President of the Chamber to address the gathering.

In his address Dr. Ajit Pant gave a brief description of the activities of the Chamber and explained the “Future Vision of the Chamber”.

The rating agency Moody has enhanced its rating from Stable to positive. In terms of Ease of doing business India ranked 77 and could soon be in the top 50. Reforms such as Goods and services tax, Bankruptcy and Insolvency code had been welcomed by the companies in a big way. It was easier for companies to get construction permits pay taxes and trade across borders. Access to sanitation has increased to over 90 percent.

Ayushmann bharat or the Pradhan Mantri arogya yojna launched in sept 2018 has already seen a large number of beneficiaries. Atal pension Yojana. Which is directed at the unorganized sector has seen substantial benefit for 10 millilnpeoplein the unorganized sector.

Ms. Nicki Anderson President and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce shared her ideas about the value of partnership between our Chambers and the Business Community and mentioned how working together would be a big positive for both Chambers.

Mr. Amit Jhingran CEO of SBI Chicago gave an overview of the Indian Banking System and role of State Bank of India, Chicago Branch in US.

Commissioner Frank Avila and Dr Prakasam Tata briefed about the Water and Waste Reclamation Training Conference that is being organized in Hyderabad, India with their expertise and technical knowhow.
The talks were followed by an interesting Question Answer Session which was taken by Dr. Pant
Dr. Prakasam Tata, thanked all the attendees with his own personal and philosophical touch.

The event was attended by Chamber Board members Dr.Ajit Pant (President), Dr. Prakasam Tata, Kanapathy M, Harsh Muthal, Porus Dadabhoy and Rajeev Jain.
The event was partly sponsored by SBI Chicago and ended with more networking, cocktails and a gala dinner