The Consulate General of India, Chicago organized a special event at the Consulate premises 17th March, 2017 in order to establish an effective networking between the Chambers of Commerce functioning in US Midwest and the Consulate and also to introduce the new Consul General of India Mrs. Neeta Bhushan to them. The event was attended by the representatives of Chambers of Commerce in US Midwest and about 70 business persons, entrepreneurs, representatives of schools of Business, Managers of different airlines and also media persons.

Mrs. Neeta Bhushan, the Consul General of India, Chicago delivered the keynote address highlighting India's growth story and also its emergence as the world's fastest growing major economy with the GDP growth rate expected to remain on the upper side of 7% in the years to come. She also said that the present government has made it a mission to bring a transformative shift in the way India is governed. Efforts have been made by the Government to move towards targeted delivery and also to make a shift from informal economy to a formal economy. Additionally, she informed that India stands out as a bright spot in the world economic landscape and also the India's macro-economic stability continues to be the foundation of economic success.

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Demonetization was a part of the present Government's resolve to eliminate corruption, black money counterfeit currency and also funding for terror activities. She informed to the participants about the Flagship Schemes of GOI such as 'Make in India', 'Start-up India', 'Digital India', 'Skill Development' etc.

The event was also addressed by Ms. Laura Ortega, the Executive Director of Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Ridhika Batra, the Director of FICCI-USA, Mr. Tel Ganeshan, the President of TiE, Mr. Ramu Chinthala, Joint Secretary of Indianapolis Hyderabad Sister City Committee, Mr. Ajit Pant, the President of US India Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Tanya Jain, Manager of US India Business Council, Chicago, Ms. Blanca Berthier, the Director International Programs of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and also by Ms. Nisha Vanvari, US American Chamber for US Midwest.

Ms. Laura Ortega briefed participants about the important aspects of trade relations between India and the state of Illinois. Ms. Radhika Batra informed as to how India is developing and its startup ecosystem. Maintaining the tempo, Mr. Tel Ganeshan informed the audience about the possibilities of market opportunities being created by India startups. While Mr. Raju Chinthala narrated the collaborations and also the connections between India and the state of Indiana, Mr. Ajit Pant spoke about the emerging US India trade and business relations, challenges and the opportunities ahead. Ms. Tanya Jain and Ms. Blanca Berthier highlighted the engagements of their respective organizations with the Consulate and also the effective promotion of business opportunities in India by the Consulate.

Mrudula Duddempudi.