For the first time in Kerala, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will open two American Business Corners in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi.
The initiative by the Chamber and the US Commercial Service is to reach out to the business community where the US Commercial Service does not have a physical presence.
The ABC will offer opportunities to Indian importers in these cities to learn about the services and programmes and make connecting with American businesses easier.
The memorandum of understanding will be signed by the Indian Chamber with the US and Foreign Commercial Services (US&FCS), International Trade Administration (ITA), US Department of Commerce.
Pursuant to this agreement, the Chamber will work together with US Commercial Service to increase export awareness among the US business community, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, and the general public.
These centres also provide information on US companies through booklets, brochures, newsletters, magazines and CDs; and upcoming business opportunities. Further, a virtual business desk will be created for the benefit of members.
Currently, ABCs have been launched in the cities of Madurai, Coimbatore and Vishakhapatnam, with plans to open many more across the country.
The American Business Corner in Thiruvananthapuram will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on September 10.
The Kochi centre will be inaugurated by Nancy Powel, the US Ambassador to India, on September 11. A high-level team of American officials will make presentations on the opportunities and other issues including visa procedure.
According to Prakash James, president, Indian Chamber, the opening of ABC will open a window of opportunities to Indian business fraternity. The tie-up will facilitate exchange of information resources between the two countries.