The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) recently hosted a roundtable discussion in New Delhi featuring Ambassador Katherine Tai, US Trade Representative (USTR), to underscore the significance of small and medium-sized enterprise companies (SMEs) in the US and India.
The focus of discussions revolved around the vital role played by SMEs in fostering economic relations between the two countries. Companies like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Meta, and others, along with their SME partners, actively participated in the session. The conversation highlighted the importance of collaboration between SMEs and USISPF’s large multinational corporations (MNCs), emphasizing mutual benefits for the domestic market and exports.
Ambassador Tai provided valuable insights into the requirements of collaborating with SMEs, including startups, and discussed obstacles associated with entering new markets and participating in global trade.
Dr. Mukesh Aghi, president and CEO of USISPF, emphasized the forum’s dedication to SMEs and startups during his opening remarks. He highlighted the success of the ‘Startup Connect’ program in the Bay Area, which aims to foster connections between Indian startups and potential clients, mentors, and funders in the US.
Aghi expressed pleasure at witnessing meaningful discussions and collaboration during the US-India Trade Policy Forum SME Roundtable. He underscored the importance of SMEs in strengthening economic ties between the nations and reiterated USISPF’s commitment to fostering collaborative dialogues for growth and innovation in the SME sector.
Recognizing the pivotal role of SMEs and startups in global job creation, USISPF revealed plans to introduce an SME initiative in the coming months. This initiative aims to establish a platform for SMEs in both India and the US, facilitating accelerated integration into the ecosystem of multinational companies.
