US committed to provide best services to the Indian Business: Her Excellency Ms. Katherine Dhanani, Consul General, USA

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry in association with Consulate General of United States of America organized an Interacting Meeting on “Business Opportunities in USA & Latest Development in Visa Services” on September 24, 2012 at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Her Excellency Ms. Katherine Dhanani, Consul General of United States of America was the Chief Guest for this occasion.

Mr. Elvin John, Vice Consul, Ms. Carla Benini, Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Manav Jain, Acting Consular Chief, Mr. Radhakishore Pandrangi, Senior Commercial Specialist, Mr. Devendra Surana, President, FAPCCI, Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari, Chairman, International Trade Committee and Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI were the other speakers at the occasion.

 Her Excellency Ms. Katherine Dhanani said – US - India has very positive business and economical ties in many sectors. US always want to support and enhancing bilateral ties for the better outcome. In recent years USA and India have signed bilateral agreements in Cooperation on Energy and Climate Change, Cooperation on Science and Technology, Security and Regional Cooperation and Cooperation on Public Health and Research. The United States is always helping to promote India in the global platforms. 

The Indo-US Vaccine Action Program (VAP) has been implemented since July, 1987 and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.  Through bilateral agreement between the United States and India, the VAP is being extended in 2012 for an additional five years with a particular focus on tuberculosis, human immunology, rotavirus and many other globally important infectious diseases.  This includes development of vaccines for Malaria, Dengue and translational research in vaccinology she said.
 
We, at FAPCCI had meetings with the several US Delegates, Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Science, California, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, Tuskegee University, Alabama, US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC).  These meetings have provided valuable inputs and the information on opportunities therein Mr. Devendra Surana said.

 Mr. Radhakishore Pandrangi, Senior Commercial Specialist the US visas now simplified and it’s just a click away. The United States is implementing a new visa processing system throughout India that will further standardize procedures and will simplify fee payment and appointment scheduling through a new official website. Now, visa applicants can be able to pay application fees via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) or with their mobile phones. They can also pay in cash at more than 1,800 Axis bank branches. The Business Executive Program (BEP) vets and registers established, reputable firms to make it easier for certain employees to seek nonimmigrant visitor visas for business travel at reserved appointment times. Business Executive Program (BEP) members are allotted a set number of appointments each day.

Mr. Devendra Surana thank the US Consulate for simplifying the process of applying for US visas, by announcing interview waiver program for those applying for visa renewal within four years of its expiry and the children below the age of seven years need not be present at the consulate for interviews, etc.  This interactive meet is arranged with a view to understand the process and the several initiatives taken for the promotion of business and tourism.   I am sure, under your dynamic leadership, more and more such initiatives would be taken, for increasing the business and tourism between the two countries, particularly with Andhra Pradesh.

Trade and commerce form a crucial component of the rapidly expanding and multi-faceted relations between India and US.   The presence of US Consulate, US Commercial Services, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and American Chamber of Commerce has played a vital role in furthering the trade between the two countries, especially with Andhra Pradesh.  I request the US Consulate to send us the information pertaining to trade and industry, especially on visa services, for disseminating the details among the members of FAPCCI.