(Image source from: The Hindu)
Texas Governor Gregg Abbott pitched for stronger ties between India and Texas in key sectors such as energy, technology, and agriculture saying it is critical for building a bright future.
Governor Abbott said that Texas and India positioning economically will be an enormous benefit for both. At the 19th annual gala of the Indo-American Chamber of Greater Houston (IACCGH) on Saturday, Abbott in his keynote address pitched in for the same.
He added that by working together, one can continue to expand economic opportunity and ensure that Texas remains the best place to find a job, start a business and raise a family. Texas, the second sizable exporter of goods to India and the fourth largest importer of Indian goods, has become a prime destination for global investment, he said.
"For 19 years, the IACCGH has helped the small business community thrive in Houston and inspired the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders, all while fostering stronger ties between Texas and India. Through our continued relationship with the Chamber, the partnership between Texas and India will grow even stronger," Abbott said.
He further said, "Our shared values like family, faith, commitment to community, entrepreneurship and hard work transcend cultures. It's those values that make Texas, India and the Indian-American community such natural partners. And by building on this foundation, we can continue to deepen our partnership both culturally and in terms of economic development."
Highlighting his nine-day India trip to promote Texas as the premier destination for investment, he said that he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and left with more optimism that Texas-India partnership has no limits. He also thanked Mahindra for setting up Mahindra's North American headquarters in Texas and donating USD 1.5 million for Hurricane Harvey relief last year.
Appreciating the IACCGH and Indian-Americans, Abbott said that “working together, we can continue to expand economic opportunity and we want you to succeed, we need you to succeed because when you succeed, Texas succeeds”.
The growth of Texas-India ties was on the agenda at the aptly themed gala 'Think India, Think Texas, Leverage Houston' as several Indian companies like Mahindra, JSW, Wipro, Reliance are fast expanding their operations in North America.
By Sowmya Sangam
