Governor Markell to Meet with IT Business Leaders in Mumbai

Press Release

Governor Jack Markell announced today that he will lead a trade mission to India from Wednesday, February 6, through Saturday, February 16, 2013 . Invited by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), India's premier IT industry association, to speak at its annual Leadership Forum in Mumbai on February 13th, Governor Markell will address over 1500 participants from nearly 25 countries, followed by one-on-one meetings with several CEOs and company chairpersons. The Forum, which will focus on the theme of partnerships and global growth, is among the most prestigious international IT conferences for the growing IT sector in India.

As part of his trip, the State of Delaware is working with the Confederation of Indian Industry, a leading industry association across India, and the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises, the top biotechnology industry association, to schedule meetings in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai with manufacturers and health sciences companies.

"Indian companies continue to expand their operations in the United States, and we want them to know Delaware has an outstanding IT workforce. We are leading the country in developing cyber security personnel and have much to offer a prospective company," said Governor Markell. "We want international business managers looking to locate or expand their businesses to consider locating in Delaware."

The Governor will be promoting Delaware's high-caliber workforce, convenient location, and reasonable cost of living as he meets with several business leaders and their company representatives at the conference.

According to a report published by NASSCOM in 2012, Indian IT companies directly employ 107,000 people in the U.S., up from 58,000 in 2006. These jobs indirectly support many others through local suppliers, re-spending and tax payments. Several Indian companies have announced plans to expand employment for U.S. workers over the next few years.

Similar to his previous trips, the Governor will utilize social media to stay in communication with Delawareans. He will participate in a Google+ hangout with students from Delcastle Technical High School, who are working on a project to learn about international social media and trade with India. The class will communicate with people in Delaware and India over the next several weeks to encourage engagement via Twitter and Facebook. During the Google+ Hangout, they will brief the Governor on their research results.

"Delaware has a world-class IT workforce and an exceptionally strong social media community," said Governor Markell. "Social media is a way for our students and our broader community to raise Delaware's profile in India. I applaud their efforts to help us communicate beyond our borders."

Governor Markell will be accompanied by Secretary of Transportation Shailen Bhatt and Felicia Pullam, Deputy Director for International Trade. Secretary Bhatt previously traveled to India in 2010 representing the Federal Highway Administration to meet with government and business officials interested in furthering cooperation on transportation issues. Also, University of Delaware President Dr. Patrick Harker will join the trade mission in Mumbai. The University of Delaware enjoys a strong reputation in India for its chemical engineering department.

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