US envoy to discuss opening consulates in Jalandhar,Chandigarh

US Ambassador to India Richard Verma today assured Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal that he would soon take up the issue of opening of US consulates in Jalandhar and Chandigarh for the convenience of people of the region.
Stating this during his meeting with Badal at the latter's residence here, Verma also assured the Chief Minister that he would motivate the key players in the fields of education, healthcare, agriculture and food processing, solar energy and skill development to make investments in Punjab.
Badal has sought cooperation from the US Ambassador in these fields saying there was huge potential of expansion in these sectors as the state government has focussed to develop these key areas on priority.

The Chief Minister said US has proven technology and expertise in these sectors and Punjab can immensely benefit from them.
It will also strengthen the socio-economic ties between Punjab and US, he said.
Verma appreciated the state government for opening Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Academy for boys and Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Academy for girls to ensure their placement in the defence services, according to a government press release.

Badal told the Ambassador that "Punjab has been ranked number one by the World Bank for ease of doing business in one of its recent reports."
He asked the envoy to send a high power delegation of US industrialists, entrepreneurs and business heads to attend 'Investors Summit' to be held at Mohali on October 28-29.

The Chief Minister sought Verma's support in pursuing agriculture diversification programme through making lucrative investments in the agriculture and food processing industry.
Earlier, Badal welcomed Verma saying it was a momentous occasion to receive a US Ambassador who has roots in Punjab.
Verma belonged to Apra village in Jalandhar district where his ancestral house is still there. Besides, his mother also hails from Jalandhar.
Badal assured the envoy the state government would further develop his ancestral village.