Tacoma Seeks to Expand Bilateral Ties with India

Dec 22, 2018

An interactive meeting was organised in honour of Mr. Anders Ibsen, Deputy Mayor, City of Tacoma at MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai. Mr. Ibsen said, “Tacoma is an investor- and innovation-friendly city in USA. The city ranks top on ease of doing business, as a result of its small size, excellent service delivery and faster turnaround time in getting business approvals. The City Administration handholds foreign investors by providing demographic and market information and offering attractive tax incentives. We facilitate eligible foreign investors to get green cards, for their entire family, in two years. Tacoma offers excellent quality life, outdoor recreation and less congestion. Though small in size, Tacoma has strong global ties and has made 15 Sister Cities across the world. Tacoma values trade and we welcome diversity and plurality.”

Mr. Ibsen said, “The city has the third largest port in USA with a container throughput of more than 4 million Teus. The port is connected with excellent railway system, which ensures that goods can be transported to any part of America within one week. The Port of Tacoma is the closest access point to Asia. Tacoma is a trade dependent city, with an annual foreign trade volume of USD 75 billion. Trade and related sectors account for around 40% of total employment.”

The deputy mayor said, “The city has tremendous investment potential in housing, infrastructure, hospitality, ports & logistics and technology sectors.”

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai said, “Currently, Japan and China are the major trade and investment partners of Tacoma. However, in future, India can also be a major commercial partner with this city. Government of India’s ambitious programmes such as Make in India, Startup India, Digital India, among others, can be a catalyst for bilateral partnership with Tacoma. I invite companies from Tacoma to take advantage of these schemes.”

Mr. Anders Ibsen led a delegation of government and business leaders from Tacoma to this interactive meeting.

The event was attended by representatives from trade and industry, government departments, academic institutions and tourism sector.

Top Photo:

From (L-R): Ms. Rupa Naik, Mr. Anders Ibsen, Mr. Vijay Kalantri and Mr. Mike Fowler.

Below Photo:

Mr. Vijay Kalantri felicitating Mr. Anders Ibsen.