Pitching for two-way investment flow between her two homes — India and South Carolina — the newly re-elected South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley, is hoping to take back good memories and potential business partnerships at the end of her 10-day visit to the county.
Haley, 42, who was in Chandigarh on Friday to invite the investors from the region to invest in her State, sees huge potential in the Indian market and believes that this would be the right time to invest in the USA considering that the dollar is weak.
From seeking investments in various sectors to voicing her opinion about skill development and student exchange programmes, the Governor on Friday showcased her State as an ideal investment destination and made an attempt to woo the industrialists from this region to invest in South Carolina.
Haley, who is the first Indian and female Governor of any State of USA, is leading a 18-member delegation from South Carolina on a 10-day
trip to India.
Haley’s paternal family used to live in Amritsar’s suburb Verka before migrating to the United States in 1960s, went to Amritsar on Friday. During her tour, she is scheduled to address students of various educational institutions besides meeting the Indian industrialists.
Excerpts from the interview.
What kind of mutual business opportunities are you looking at between India and South CarolinaIJ
We are looking for business partnerships and investments in sectors like education, automobiles, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, textiles, information technology, tourism and agro-processing industries. South Carolina is ranked as the third best state in USA to do business in with lowest cost of business and living so we are here to invite the Indian industrialists to invest in our state and work with our government for mutual benefits. Industrialists are focusing on investments in places like New York, Chicago, los Angeles among other places but our state is providing equally good business opportunities… In South Carolina, doing business have become very easy and we would assign a specific project supervisor with an investor for assistance in various aspects including financing, legal formalities, labour, among others.
Why India for inviting investors for South CarolinaIJ
As an Indian-American, my first preference will always be India. I personally want Indian companies to invest in South Carolina as I want to connect my two homes together. That is why I have come to India to invite companies from across the country to invest in South Carolina. Also, India is a potential market and potential partner to do business with...The Indian industrialists are doing well across the globe.
What are your plans for investments in IndiaIJ
I am going to bring international companies here. India is my second home and attracting investments to the country from overseas is certainly my job. I believe that the collaborations between South Carolina and India would be beneficial to both the governments. We have come along with representatives of companies from South Carolina and they would be part of our delegation during meeting to be held in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and other places.
How was the response so far during your meetings in IndiaIJ
The response has been quite overwhelming. We have been assured of full support and collaborations in various sectors. 90 + meetings were scheduled in our ten days long trip to India and many meetings are yet to be held. We are looking forward to collaborate with Indian companies and positive outcomes in the rest of our meetings during the tour.
You met Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal a day beforeIJ How the meeting with him wentIJ
The meeting went very well. We discussed a number of issues ranging from skill development to agro-processing industries. We would be glad to assist Punjab in generating job opportunities and explore areas of mutual benefits by working together.
Apart from India, what are other countries you are visiting for inviting investments for your StateIJ
As of now, my focus is only India. I have an emotional connection with this country and I want both India and South Carolina to be benefited from collaborations in various areas.
I could have gone to Germany, Australia and other countries but I want Indian companies to invest in my state. Also, this is the best time to invest in USA as the dollar is weak and I believed this was the right time to visit this country seeking investments in various areas.
You have been emphasising on mutual programmes for skill development and students exchange. What is your take on thatIJ
South Carolina would be glad to work hand in hand with the government for skill development. State coalitions can be explored in areas of student exchange programmes and skills development. Both the issues have been discussed during the meetings held so far with various representatives in India. South Carolina is pro-business and we would be grateful to extend our support to India in such programmes also.
How do you look at your visit to India and Punjab after so many decadesIJ How was the experience so farIJ
It has been an emotional trip… The last time I visited India, I was two years old and I don’t remember anything about that trip, so I was always wanted to visit the country again. People have been very hospitable here and it has been a great trip so far. I have been listening to beautiful stories from my parents about India since childhood and now, I hope to bring beautiful memories from here to share my stories with them.
Do you consider yourself a leading contender for the 2016 Republican Presidential ticketIJ
I am an aggressive Governor. And, as of now, my focus is only South Carolina. I have been elected for the second term as Governor and I want to work for my state to the best of my ability.