Date:30/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/30/stories/2006053022450300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

State of Maryland opens trade office in city

Staff Reporter

It will facilitate interaction between businessmen

STRENGTHENING TIES: (From left) Vice-president of Nortrop Grumman Electronic Systems Joseph Moynihan, executive director of MIC Sheila Khatri and Derek L. Mohre at the inauguration of Maryland India Center in Bangalore on Monday. — Photo: Samp ath Kumar G.P.

BANGALORE: The State of Maryland, U.S., opened Maryland India Center, the State's first official trade office in India, here on Monday.

The trade office located on M.G. Road would facilitate interaction between Indian and Maryland businessmen and serve as an incubator for Maryland companies looking to set up operations in India.

Derek L. Mohre of the State of Maryland Development of Economic and Business Department said the centre would not only help in fostering business relations but also develop cultural and educational exchange programmes.

The Maryland State provides for development of aerospace, education and film industry, he said.

Sheila Khatri, Executive Director of the centre, said the centre had been located in the city because of the synergy between the businesses concentrated in the city and Maryland. Both regions had a strong presence in Defence and aerospace sectors. Ms. Khatri said the activities of the centre would not be limited to Bangalore but encompass the whole of India. She said the centre was receiving enquiries from telecommunications, finance, and manufacturing sectors in Maryland, for which some companies in New Delhi and Mumbai had been contacted. Indian companies were showing interest in the Maryland film industry.

Joseph C. Moynihan, vice-president of Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, said the trade centre would help the companies in Maryland to increase their presence in India.