Apr. 26 - Minnesota Trade Office to host Indian Ambassador in May

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) is hosting the Honorable Meera Shankar, ambassador of the Republic of India to the United States, for her first official visit to the state, May 17-19. The ambassador will promote and strengthen commercial, cultural, educational and humanitarian ties between Minnesota and India.

“Ambassador Shankar’s visit will strengthen the relationship between Minnesota and India,” said Dan McElroy, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Ambassador Shankar will meet with companies doing business with India and highlight significant Indian investments in Minnesota, including Essar Steel Minnesota in Nashwauk and Suzlon Rotor Corporation in Pipestone.

Ambassador Shankar will speak on U.S.-Indian relations and on opportunities for commercial and knowledge partnerships between the two countries in several public appearances, including addresses at the University of Minnesota and the Economic Club of Minnesota.

India is ranked 20^th among export markets for Minnesota-manufactured goods, up from 31^st in 2000, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“India is one of Minnesota’s fastest growing export markets,” said Ed Dieter, acting director, MTO. “Minnesota manufactured exports to India have increased from less than $28 million in 2000 to nearly $146 million in 2009— growing 430 percent during this period.”

In October 2007, Governor Pawlenty led a delegation of more than 70 business and government leaders to India.

The MTO, an office of DEED, is focused on increasing state export sales in foreign markets. The MTO promotes international trade by providing export information, export education and training, and one-on-one counseling to Minnesota companies that wish to sell manufactured goods and services in the international marketplace.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositivelyMN.

Upon request, the information in this news release is available in an alternative format such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer disk.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Communications Office
Phone 651/259-7161 or 1-800-657-3858 ∙ TTY 1-800-657-3973
www.PositivelyMinnesota.com