Ease of doing business improved in India: US diplomat

A senior American diplomat today said the ease of doing business in India has witnessed an improvement and there is enormous momentum behind the Indo-US economic ties.
"There is enormous momentum behind the economic engagement between America and India and we are here to try and increase those numbers...," Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Charles H Rivkin told reporters here.
While this visit is focused around clean-tech, Rivkin said the level of economic engagement isn't limited to this sector only and added that many more delegations would come from America with several other industries because "we believe in this opportunity (India)".

On the business potential between the two countries, he said, "When President (Barack) Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of the USD 100 billion in trade and investment that exists, (which is) now going to USD 500 billion, some people were aghast what an extraordinary ramp up in activity...But the more and more I see and more American businesses I speak with, I am wondering if that level is high enough".
"Ease of doing business matters and from what I have seen it's dramatically improving under the incredible visionary leadership of Modi," Rivkin said.
Rivkin is leading a US delegation for the 'American Innovation Roadshow' in four Indian cities.

"We believe that 'Make in India' is a wonderful programme and we want to do everything we can to try and help...." he said.

According to him, the climate change is a policy priority and the major focus for President Barack Obama and Modi because it is perhaps the greatest economic challenge to the world right now and in future.
"Climate change is also an enormous opportunity. The solution to the problem of climate change is smart energy policy and clean energy investment is the great way to get there," he said.
"We are highlighting the United State's approach to innovation and entrepreneurship for sharing our experiences and for sharing our practices we are engaging at state and federal levels by strengthening ties between our governments, entrepreneurs and innovators.

"We are encouraging the policy and regulation that facilitates innovation, entrepreneurship at state and federal government level, and that facilitates job creation," he added.