India gets its first 'US Business Center'

Motivated by the commitment to rapidly expand US India cross-border investment and trade made last year in India by US President Barack Obama and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first-ever US Business Center in India was inaugurated in Mumbai here today.

The business centre was inaugurated by minister for Industries, Subhash R Desai and Center and US Counsel General Thomas Vajda and Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President of the US-India Business Council (USIBC).

The US Business Centers' initiative is led by market entry specialist Sannam S4, Inc., and is supported by the USIBC, Citi India, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and JLL. The first US Business Center is a custom built facility designed to house new and early stage US entrants to the Indian market. Based in central Mumbai, the Center combines world-class office facilities with in-house provision of the key market entry services required by small or medium-sized US companies, universities, non-profit organizations, or trade associations as they enter and expand in India.

Services available to US organizations via the US Business Centers include accounting, payroll, compliance services, staff, recruitment and HR advisory, sales and business development support, market research and channel development.

With a focus on supporting US companies in the supply chain, those planning to 'Make in India', and institutions looking for greater student and academic collaboration, the Centers will play a key role in aiding the United States and India achieve the $500 billion in cross-border trade and investment target.

Adrian Mutton, Founder and CEO of US Business Centers and Sannam S4 said "With the facilities and comprehensive services provided by the US Business Centers and our partners, US organizations can feel much more confident about entering and expanding in India. The US Business Centers provide the practical support needed to manage the local challenges an organization may face when entering and expanding in this dynamic market, therefore ensuring the best chance of success."

Founding Alliance Partner, the US India Business Council, is the premier business advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening the US-India economic and commercial relationship. Members of the Council include more than 350 of the leading US and Indian corporations. The launch of the US Business Centers in India was first announced by USIBC President Mukesh Aghi, at the USIBC's 40th Anniversary Leadership Summit, in Washington DC on September 21 2015, which was attended by US Vice President Joe Biden, US Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, and 400 other leaders of US and Indian government and industry.

In commenting on the Centers' launch, USIBC President, Dr. Mukesh Aghi said, "I am delighted that the US Business Centers are being established in India. The Council is eager to provide support to US small and mid-sized companies, universities, and skills' providers that are exploring India as a viable investment destination. The Business Center's integrated support model should make it easier for US organizations to do business in India and achieve greater levels of success. We are delighted to support Sannam S4 in this necessary and timely enterprise."

The US Business Centers will be introduced in the US at Stanford University, in Silicon Valley, March 16 2016, during the first of a series of seminars entitled, "A Practical Guide to Doing Business in India" to be held across the US throughout the calendar year.