Mohali, Oct 5 (KNN)  In an effort to connect with more businesses in Punjab, the American Business Corner (ABC), was launched here recently, considered the first of its kind in the northern region.

US Ambassador Nancy J Powell and President of Mohali Industries Association (MIA), Anurag Aggarwal performed the honours in the presence of Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce, Punjab Karan Avtar Singh who was also the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Powell said that ABC in Mohali will act as a clearinghouse to connect its 450 member firms with US companies interested in doing business here.   
The activities of this ABC, according to her, will include the dissemination of catalogues of US products to potential buyers or staging workshops and seminars at the ABC on topics ranging from Trade Finance to IPR.

“I am very enthusiastic about our ever increasing business ties. Trade brings people together, creates jobs and provides countless new opportunities for people in both of our countries. There is plenty of room for growth and we need to see where both countries can best help each other.  A healthy balance of trade between countries is essential,” she said.

Calling it a historic day for MIA, Aggarwal said the move was a leap forward for SMEs of the region to connect with American SMEs. “ABC is a novel concept as to date large business organizations of the two countries had resources to foster business ties but this opportunity was not available to the SMEs of the two countries,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, General Secretary MIA, R P Singh said it was a great achievement for the Association which will prove to be beneficial for all members looking for an opportunity to do business with the U.S.

Congratulating Mohali Industries Association for establishing a name for themselves and furthering the cause of the industry in the region, Karan Avtar Singh, thanked Nancy Powell for her maiden visit to Punjab and choosing Mohali for opening North India’s first American Business Corner. He assured her that the Government of Punjab would facilitate both American and Indian companies to increase trade between the two countries.

Other dignitaries present on the occasion were MD PSIEC Yashvir Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner, SAS Nagar, TPS Sidhu, SSP Mohali Gurpreet Singh Bhullar.
Also present were Head Punjab State Council, CII Sumanpreet Singh, RD, PHDCCI Chd Dalip Sharma, President Derabassi Industries Association Vinay Mittal, Mahajan President Chandigarh Inds Association Arun, Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vishnu Goel, Executive Director TiE Sumeer Walia and other top industrialists of the region.  (KNN/ES)