WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) today hosted the inaugural ‘Road to Global Entrepreneurship’ Summit, part of its Global Entrepreneurship Conclave, in Washington, D.C.
The summit brought together key stakeholders, including U.S. government officials, government of India officials, and industry leaders from across sectors to renew the two countries’ key linkages and advance their mutual interests. Participants from the U.S. and India discussed the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to accelerate economic growth, create jobs, and encourage groundbreaking ideas in order to serve the citizens of both nations.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross addressed the summit, which is the first in a series, and he discussed the importance of the bilateral ties between the U.S. and India. Secretary Ross said the U.S. administration is encouraged by India’s economic reforms, and he highlighted the important role that the U.S.-India Business Council has played in furthering the commercial partnership over its 42-year existence.
“The U.S.-India strategic and commercial partnership is unique and complementary in nature,” said Khush Choksy, acting president of the USIBC. “These discussions at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit are timely and necessary because we believe that the next phase of the bilateral relationship will be determined by the necessity to expand job creation, economic growth, and innovation in both countries.”
The summit included remarks from Ambassador Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, U.S. Department of State; Ambassador of India to the United States Navtej Sarna; Ambassador of Israel to the United States Ron Dermer; and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorti (D-IL).
The event also included a panel discussion on building communities through private-sector collaboration, with participation from Monique Meche, vice president of global public policy for Amazon; Angela Baker, director of Qualcomm Wireless Reach; and Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent. The discussion focused on advancing policy frameworks to grow entrepreneurship, especially in emerging markets, and the role of women in growing jobs and economies.
“Many women in emerging economies have the ideas and ambitions needed to succeed, but are held back by a lack of access to business skills, education, networks, and capital,” said Baker. “Mobile technology can break down common barriers of skill and access and connect entrepreneurs to information, resources, and consumers. By fostering and investing in programs that use wireless solutions, we are enabling women entrepreneurs to participate in the flourishing mobile economy in India and around the world.”
“Amazon is pleased to contribute to the Global Entrepreneurship Conclave to discuss innovation, entrepreneurship, and the empowerment of women in India, which are at the heart of Amazon’s business practices,” said Meche.
“As an entrepreneurial company, Cvent recognizes that bringing people together and fostering innovation regardless of borders is a key to success,” said Aggarwal. “We are proud to be part of a summit that will encourage entrepreneurship around the world.”
Formed in 1975 at the request of the U.S. and Indian governments, the U.S.-India Business Council is the premier business advocacy organization, comprised of 350 top-tier U.S. and Indian companies advancing U.S.-India commercial ties. USIBC is the largest bilateral trade association in the United States, with liaison presence in New York, Silicon Valley, and New Delhi.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 70 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.
