Governor Kaine Announces Virginia-India Trade Conference

Press Release

Governor Kaine Announces Virginia-India Trade Conference

Powerful lineup of speakers to share experiences, benefits of partnership -
Governor Timothy M. Kaine will join Ambassador of India to the United States Ronen Sen and noted business leaders from India and Virginia Oct. 15-16 for the 2008 Virginia Conference on World Trade. The conference, to be held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, will be hosted by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Port Authority.

"This is the strongest international program to be held in the Commonwealth in a number of years," said Governor Kaine. "I'm proud to be a part of this quality conference and look forward to the new relationships that Virginia is sure to develop as a result."

Governor Kaine will speak during the opening session, followed by keynote speaker Ambassador Sen and MeadWestvaco (MWV) CEO John Luke, who will serve as the luncheon speaker. Industry leaders from three divisions of MWV and four companies of The Tata Group of India, presidential sponsors of the conference, will discuss business relations and case studies of Virginia- and India-based companies. Other companies that will share their India-Virginia business experiences include, Cadmus Publisher Services Group, WIPRO Consulting Services, Moog Incorporated, Sterling America and Toshiba Mitsubishi General Electric Automation Systems.

India has the world's fourth largest economy and is the largest democracy. The middle class totals 350 million people, which is larger than the entire U.S. population. The unabated growth of India's economy and middle class has outpaced its infrastructure, offering opportunities for Virginia companies involved in construction and engineering services, energy generation and distribution, information technology equipment and transportation. Indian exports to the U.S. reached $24 billion in 2007 and U.S. exports to India totaled $17.6 billion.

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