On the third day of his US visit, Shri Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles, embarked on a series of engagements in Silicon Valley. From fostering innovation in India’s startup ecosystem to participating in discussions on academic collaborations, the Minister’s interactions underscored the importance of international partnerships and technological advancements.
Encouraging Investment and Ideation:
Shri Piyush Goyal initiated his day by interacting with Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and venture capitalists of Indian origin. Encouraging an exchange of ideas, the Minister urged participants to contribute to making India a more attractive investment avenue for global investors. His vision for India’s startup ecosystem, especially in critical areas like Artificial Intelligence, was shared, emphasizing the role of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in nurturing India’s young talent.
Roundtable Discussion at Stanford University:
A pivotal moment in the day unfolded during a roundtable discussion at Stanford University. Engaging with academicians from various prestigious institutions, including Stanford, UC Berkeley, Fresno State, UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, and the University of Silicon Andhra, the discussion delved into global issues and explored possibilities of collaboration. The emphasis was on setting up joint campuses with foreign universities, offering a platform for robust academic exchanges.
Charting New Horizons with CAs:
The Minister actively participated in the event “Charting New Horizons: CAs as Catalysts in the US-India Partnership,” hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accounts of India (ICAI) San Francisco Chapter. Stressing the vital role Chartered Accountants (CAs) can play in enhancing collaboration between India and the US, the interactive session with ICAI members aimed to explore avenues for bolstering economic ties.
Bilateral Meetings and Industry Engagement:
Shri Piyush Goyal conducted one-to-one meetings with industry leaders, including Mr. Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology, and Mr. Neil Mohan, CEO of YouTube Inc. Discussions centered around prospects for these companies in the Indian market, with the Minister offering support for their expansion. Highlighting India’s burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem, the Minister showcased opportunities for collaboration in the tech sector.
APEC Welcome Reception: A Grand Finale:
To conclude the day’s engagements, the Minister participated in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) welcome reception hosted by President Joe Biden. This provided an opportunity for Shri Piyush Goyal to interact with leaders from APEC and guest economies, reaffirming India’s commitment to collaborative efforts on the global stage.
