Shivraj Singh Chouhan rolls out red carpet for US firms in MP

Underscoring the "tremendous bilateral economic potential" between India and the US, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan rolled out a red carpet for American companies to invest across sectors in Madhya Pradesh to give a boost to revenue generation and job creation.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is currently on a five-day visit to the US, addressed business leaders, executives and analysts here yesterday, touting his state as an "ideal investment destination" that has a conducive business environment, investor-friendly policies and no red-tapism.

"India and America are deep friends. President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a personal friendship. The two nations are the world's greatest democracies.

"In America's development and prosperity, people of Indian-origin have made significant contributions and the Indian diaspora is strengthening ties between the US and India," Chouhan said in a spirited address to industry leaders at a seminar organised by industry body CII and US-India Business Council in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh government.

"India and the US share tremendous bilateral economic potential and will continue to forge deeper ties and move ahead, contributing to global peace and economic prosperity," he said.

"With an atmosphere of terror and uncertainty gripping the world, the strong partnership between India and the US will help combat that and establish peace and prosperity in the world," he said in his address in Hindi.

Rolling out the red carpet for American investors, Chouhan said his state offers "infinite investment opportunities" in sectors such as IT, textile, food processing, pharma, tourism, infrastructure, health, real estate, minerals and education.

"I have come here to invite you to visit Madhya Pradesh, which is the ideal state for investment in India. We have come here to invite investment because we not only want to generate revenue but also create jobs opportunities for our youth," he said, adding that he has a "passion and determination" to take his state forward.

He also expressed confidence that the next leader of the US, which is in the midst of a crucial election cycle, will be a friend of India, while taking a potshot at America finally getting a woman presidential nominee while in his state, women have been elected for posts at various levels of government.

"In America after so many years, a party decided to make a woman its presidential candidate," he said amid laughter from the audience, adding that in his state, 50 per cent reservation is there for women in local government structures.

"True women empowerment will happen when women have the power to govern a state. They will govern much better than men," he said to a round of applause.