A delegation of 16 city-based businessmen, mainly from the auto ancillary industry, will be on a trip to the United States from October 8 to 18 to explore opportunities arising from the prevailing economic conditions in the country.
“The delegation comprises businessmen who have been in the auto ancillary industry for the past 10 to 30 years. The automobile industry in the United States is very sophisticated and we are visiting Detroit with a purpose. The conditions in that country could create opportunities for the founding and casting industry in Kolhapur,” Birnale said.
The delegation will be meeting with industrialists in the U.S. especially in the automobile sector. It has received confirmation about the meetings that will be held from the Indo-American Chamber Of Commerce, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the USA Chamber of Commerce, the USA-India business council and the USA commerce department.
“We are optimistic about that our trip there will translate into business for Kolhapur. The Indian consulate in New York has helped the delegation to reach proper institutions in the US,” said Kulbhushan Birnale, the president of Converse International Network, the organization facilitating the study tour.
Converse International Network is a joint venture between the Global Organization for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and the Dnyaneshwar Mulay Education Society (DMES). Mulay is currently the consul general of India in New York.
At Albany in New York, the city businessmen will be meeting their counterparts in the casting industry and will hold dialogue with the Empire State Development Corporation, New York’s major economic development agency. The delegation will also be visiting tool and dye companies in three states in the US.
“Many such visits have been planned that will give local business houses a view of how the U.S. industry is shaped and what opportunities there are. GOPIO will be welcoming the delegation and arrange a meeting at Washington Chamber of Commerce,” Birnale added.
Kolhapur is one of the top Indian cities the foundry and casting industries. Around 350 founding units have been established here in the past five decades. These industries are presently facing the heat of the international economic slowdown and are looking for global opportunities.
Source: Times of India