Texas Governor for stronger trade ties between US, India
Houston,
Stronger trade ties between India and the US state of Texas in key sectors such as energy, technology and agriculture are critical for building a bright future, Governor Gregg Abbott has said.
Texas and India aligning economically will be enormously beneficial for both, the Texas Governor said in his keynote address at the 19th annual gala of the Indo-American Chamber of Greater Houston (IACCGH) here on Saturday.
“Working together, we can continue to expand economic opportunity and ensure that Texas remains the best place to find a job, start a business and raise a family.
“For 19 years, the IACCGH has helped the small business community thrive in Houston and inspired the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders, all while fostering stronger ties between Texas and India. Through our continued relationship with the Chamber, the partnership between Texas and India will grow even stronger,” Abbott said.
Texas, the second largest exporter of goods to India and the fourth largest importer of Indian goods, has become a premier destination for global investment, he said.
“Our shared values like family, faith, commitment to community, entrepreneurship and hard work transcend cultures. It’s those values that make Texas, India and the Indian-American community such natural partners. And by building on this foundation, we can continue to deepen our partnership both culturally and in terms of economic development,” Abbott said.
Highlighting his nine-day India trip to promote Texas as the premier destination for investment, he said that he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and left with more optimism that Texas-India partnership has no limits.
He thanked Mahindra for setting up Mahindra’s North American headquarters in Texas and donating USD 1.5 million for Hurricane Harvey relief last year.
Jindal Steel Works has announced plans to invest USD 500 million into expanding their steel manufacturing in Baytown, Texas, that will garner employment to 500 more Texans. Wipro Limited will set up a new Texas Technology Center in Plano.
“I hope JSW will supply all the steel that is needed for the petroleum industry in Texas,” the Texas Governor said.
Appreciating the IACCGH and Indian-Americans, Abbott said that “working together, we can continue to expand economic opportunity and we want you to succeed, we need you to succeed, because when you succeed, Texas succeeds”.
