We have to stop exporting jobs to India: US official

Though several US companies have set up business process outsourcing (BPO) centres in India in the last few years, the US government does not encourage BPO to Indian companies.

"We cannot export jobs from the US to India. Outsourcing has become a major political issue in our country. We aim is to enhance bilateral trade between India and the United States. We will provide easy access to Indian businessmen wishing to import products or services from the US," Richard M Rothman, commercial consul, Consulate of the United States of America said on Tuesday.

In order to lower its trade deficit, the US is trying to push exports of products and services to Indian companies. US imports from India have almost doubled in the last five years "" from $6809.44 million in 1997-98 to $11490.30 million. In contrast, US exports to India are $4875.49 million.

The US has been setting up 'sourcing centres' across the country to push its exports.

"Our exports have grown by over 12 per cent in the last six months to over five billion dollars and we now have a trade surplus," John Peters, minister counsellor for commercial affairs, Embassy of USA, said.

"The sourcing service is aimed at enhancing bilateral trade between India and United States. It will provide easy access to Indian businessmen wishing to import products or services from the United States. The sourcing services will streamline the process of importing from US by institutionalising it. This will help Indian importers identify the source of imports from the US," Rothman, said following a seminar on sourcing organised by Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) here on Tuesday.

India has been playing an important role in the international trade. Its global trade has risen from 8.92 per cent of GDP in 1951-52 to 12 per cent now. Exports have risen to $63,623 million ($1540 million) while imports surged to $77237 million ($1980 million).

"Establishing US Commercial Service sourcing centre at Ahmedabad is an important step towards further enhancing bilateral trade between Gujarat and US. Some of the features of this 'sourcing centre' would be to meet all the import needs from the US and help locating best US based companies and find qualified business partners. I am sure the sourcing centre would become vibrant centre and establish itself as a one-stop shop for all import-related needs and information for Gujarat-based entrepreneurs," said Chinubhai R Shah, president, GCCI.