Mr Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland State in the US, is on a hectic trade mission to India.

During his visit here, a large contingent of trade delegates and officials from Maryland interacted with representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry, Government officials and also witnessed signing up of sister State agreements and a few business deals.

Mr O'Malley told Business Line that the US-India trade had topped $49 billion during 2010. The State has more than 3,000 businesses run by Indians based there, employing about 28,000 people and generating about $1.2 billion income.

Maryland is home to 16 of the top 25 aerospace companies and to 70 of the top 100 defence contractors. Being a base for some of the best life sciences companies and research institutions and regulatory authorities, the State could serve as a hub or a gateway to tap into businesses in other States of the US, Canada and the region, he said.

In the renewable energy market, solar power is a relatively new business in Maryland hat already employs over 6,000 people. Indian trade with Maryland is expanding and the potential is huge in life sciences, education and technology, he said.

IMMIGRATION

“One of the important aspects that concerns all of us is the need to accelerate two-way trade and movement of people. This would only be possible when the immigration policies are flexible. Even though this is a matter that is handled by the Federal Government, we would seek to improve [it],” he said.

Citing the example of McCormick, a spices company, which now generates more than $150 million worth business, he said unless there is market access and movement of people this would not have been possible. “Therefore, I feel that more interactions would help create more jobs. The biggest issue for me is to add next job,” he said.

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