US urge India to lower investment barriers

20 Jul 2011 Evaluate

On the three day visit to India, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has asked India to reduce the investment barriers, even as the two countries agreed to re-open negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty. At a joint press conference with the External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, Clinton said, 'each of our countries can do more to reduce barriers, open our markets, and find new opportunities for economic partnership.’

Hillary Clinton said,' taking these steps is in our mutual interest. We can improve millions of lives and increase both of our nations' economic competitiveness. As per the US Secretary of State, the trade and investment relations between India and US are strong and she welcomed growing Indian investment in US.

During 2010, two way trade between India and US increased by 30% to $48.7 billion with the balance of trade in India’s favor, with surplus in export of $10 billion. 'The United States is proud to be one of India's largest trading partners and direct investor, and we welcome India's investment in the United States, which is rapidly on the rise.' Hillary Clinton said.

As per the joint statement released by the two governments, negotiations for the bilateral investment treaty (BIT) would resume in August in Washington D.C. 'A BIT would enhance transparency and predictability for investors, and support economic growth and job creation in both countries,' the statement said. Both the government will also meet in October to discuss ways of expanding trade relations through US-India Trade Policy Forum.

During the Clinton’s visit number of important announcements were made by both nations including signing of Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement, allowing Indian companies to supply components to US aerospace sector; the US government's Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) intending to infuse up to $820 million for renewable energy sector projects in 2011; the Export-Import bank of the US to step up funding in the area of clean energy and infrastructure development. Two loans worth $25 million announced for procuring solar equipment; US Trade and Development agency to fund feasibility studies with combine worth $1.4 million for setting up two solar power plants.

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