Chouhan rolls out red carpet for US firms in MP

From Yoshita Singh New York, Aug 31 (PTI) Underscoring the "tremendousbilateral economic potential" between India and the US, ChiefMinister Shivraj Singh Chouhan rolled out a red carpet forAmerican companies to invest across sectors in Madhya Pradeshto give a boost to revenue generation and job creation. Chouhan, who is currently on a five-day visit to the US,addressed business leaders, executives and analysts hereyesterday, touting his state as an "ideal investmentdestination" that has a conducive business environment,investor-friendly policies and no red-tapism. "India and America are deep friends. President BarackObama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a personalfriendship. The two nations are the world’s greatestdemocracies. "In America’s development and prosperity, people ofIndian-origin have made significant contributions and theIndian diaspora is strengthening ties between the US andIndia," Chouhan said in a spirited address to industry leadersat a seminar organised by industry body CII and US-IndiaBusiness Council in partnership with the Madhya Pradeshgovernment. "India and the US share tremendous bilateral economicpotential and will continue to forge deeper ties and moveahead, contributing to global peace and economic prosperity,"he said. "With an atmosphere of terror and uncertainty grippingthe world, the strong partnership between India and the USwill help combat that and establish peace and prosperity inthe world," he said in his address in Hindi. Rolling out the red carpet for American investors,Chouhan said his state offers "infinite investmentopportunities" in sectors such as IT, textile, foodprocessing, pharma, tourism, infrastructure, health, realestate, minerals and education. "I have come here to invite you to visit Madhya Pradesh,which is the ideal state for investment in India. We have comehere to invite investment because we not only want to generaterevenue but also create jobs opportunities for our youth," hesaid, adding that he has a "passion and determination" to takehis state forward. He also expressed confidence that the next leader of theUS, which is in the midst of a crucial election cycle, will bea friend of India, while taking a potshot at America finallygetting a woman presidential nominee while in his state, womenhave been elected for posts at various levels of government. "In America after so many years, a party decided to makea woman its presidential candidate," he said amid laughterfrom the audience, adding that in his state, 50 per centreservation is there for women in local government structures. "True women empowerment will happen when women have thepower to govern a state. They will govern much better thanmen," he said to a round of applause. (MORE) PTI YAS AMS SAIAMS