Seattle Business Delegation at WTC Mumbai

Just days after India-US relations broke the ice by announcing a trade deal, World Trade Center Mumbai, in association with the All-India Association of Industries (AIAI), organized a high-level business delegation from Seattle today. This is the first India-focused leadership mission of its kind from the state of Washington, organized by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Greater Seattle Partners, comprising more than 32 senior leaders from business, real estate, technology, aviation, and the creative economy covering entire gamut of trade ties. Sharing insights on the Seattle region’s economic strengths, innovation ecosystem, and opportunities for Indian companies, Mr. Dave Somers, County Executive, Snohomish County, said, “The county of Snohomish hosts the historic Boeing Factory positioning the city of Seattle as an aerospace hub. We at Seattle value international cooperation in trade and investment. With an experience in being a hub for high value manufacturing, we wish to collaborate in areas such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing and telecom technology, green energy, and infrastructure development. In the coming months we will develop a sustainable hub for aviation fuel in line with international standards thereby providing a window of opportunity for international players. Being heavily dependent on international trade, we are always open for trade and development in Snohomish County in Seattle”. Speaking at the event, Mr. Sam Cho, Commissioner, Port of Seattle, said, “The Port of Seattle is one of the most diversified ports in the United States and a major international gateway. We are deeply committed to global connectivity, with the largest cruise business on the U.S. West Coast and a strong maritime presence through the Northwest Seaport Alliance formed in 2015. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, our trade volumes have remained steady”. “The Seattle metropolitan region is home to global leaders such as Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks. We see significant opportunities to expand air cargo and passenger services with India, which is currently our 13th-largest air cargo trade partner. With over 277,000 passengers traveling between Seattle and India, we also remain focused on strengthening trade, services, and connectivity. We highly value the role of the World Trade Center and admire the spirit of innovation and service demonstrated by Indian enterprises.” added Mr. Sam Cho Hon. Angela Birney, Mayor, City of Redmond, Washington, said, “Redmond is a global hub for innovation built on talent, diversity, and international collaboration. Nearly 45% of our residents were born outside the United States, and 75% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Indian community and Indian entrepreneurs play a vital role in our economy and cultural fabric”. “Redmond hosts a growing startup ecosystem in artificial intelligence, fusion energy, implant computers, and clean technology, and is home to several global Indian companies such as HCL, Tata Group, and Tech Mahindra, strengthening two-way economic ties. India is a strategic partner in education, innovation, culture, and long-term growth. By investing in relationships with India, we invest in shared prosperity. US is seriously looking at India as a preferred investment destination” added Ms. Birney. In his welcome address, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, said “the recent India–US trade deal, aims to scale bilateral trade in goods and services to USD 500 billion by 2030, similarly we should aim to scale capital flows from US to India from the current mark of 50 Billion dollars”. “This delegation comes at an opportune time as we press reset button to our ties. Seattle is the tech city of the US and as we march towards the 10 trillion-dollar economy by 2030, this relationship with Seattle will work both ways harnessing capital and required technology for the growth of our economy. With this delegation at World Trade Center, Mumbai, I would like to pass on the message through you that India is eager to grow with mutual support. Let temporary hiccups not be a long aberration for our consequential ties”, stressed Dr. Kalantri. Dr. Kalantri stated, “The Seattle region represents key opportunities for Indian businesses, particularly in sectors such as technology, logistics, real estate, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and start-ups. Home to global leaders in aerospace, quantum computing, and innovation including Boeing, Microsoft and several other major companies, Seattle offers strong potential for collaboration with Indian industry. Coming immediately after the India–US trade deal, this first leadership delegation from the region carries special significance, and we are proud to host the delegation at World Trade Center Mumbai”. The event witnessed participation from over 500 representatives from industry, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. The Seattle business delegation’s visit to World Trade Center Mumbai underscored the shared commitment of India and the United States to deepen economic engagement, foster innovation-led growth, and build resilient global partnerships.