Washington: Indian CEO Vijay Chandru and Indian-American Gururaj Deshpande are among the over 20 corporate leaders invited from across the globe to participate in an investment summit here later this month. Chandru, Chairman and CEO of Bangalore-based technology firm Strand Life Sciences is the only Indian CEO and Deshpande, Chairman, Sparta Group is the only Indian-American business leader who would speak at the SelectUSA Investment Summit on March 23 and March 24.
Among the executives speaking at the event will be Executive Chairman of Google Eric Schmidt, co-founder and co-CEO of the the world's largest equity firm Carlyle Group David Rubenstein and Vice Chairman of Nissan Motor Toshiyuki Shiga.
“I am pleased that so many global business leaders have agreed to participate in the 2015 Select USA Investment Summit,” Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said. “A growing number of global companies are realising there has never been a better time to invest in America. Our fair and stable business environment, low energy costs, commitment to research and development, and strong intellectual property protection make the United States the best place for businesses to invest,” she said.
“I am thrilled to have these companies represent the best of the best in business, and share their thoughts on how the United States can maintain and expand its position as the top beneficiary of foreign direct investment worldwide,” Pritzker said.
The Summit will bring together senior US officials, international investors, economic development organisations (EDOs), local elected officials, and academics to explore and advance investment opportunities all around the US. Summit participants will also hear a special message filmed by businessman, investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett describing how the business environment in America has contributed to his long-term success.
The summit is an initiative of the Obama Administration to attract foreign direct investment.
Through 2014, SelectUSA helped generate more than USD 20 billion of investments in the US, investments that have been instrumental in creating jobs and spurring economic growth. In 2014, 5.8 million people in the United States were employed by US subsidiaries of foreign firms, the Department of Commerce said.
More than 2,500 people from nearly 80 countries have registered to attend.
More than 30 US ambassadors are personally leading delegations to this year's summit.
