Governor Signs Bill Creating Connecticut-India Trade Commission

• Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation creating the Connecticut-India Trade Commission to strengthen economic, educational, technological and cultural ties between the state and India

• The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, D-Bridgeport, who championed the measure throughout the legislative session

• The commission will bring together legislative and gubernatorial appointees, higher education representatives, business leaders and members of Connecticut’s Indian-American community to pursue joint trade, investment and academic initiatives

Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation establishing the Connecticut-India Trade Commission, a move designed to deepen economic, educational, technological, and cultural ties between the state and India. The bill signing took place at a ceremony in the State Capitol in Hartford.

The legislation was co-sponsored by Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, who championed the bill throughout this past legislative session. It establishes the Connecticut-India Trade Commission to strengthen the economic relationship between Connecticut and India through bilateral trade and investment.

The commission will work to initiate joint action on policies of mutual interest, promote business and academic exchange, and encourage mutual infrastructure investment which will foster collaboration that benefits both parties through business, investment, educational exchange, and infrastructure growth.

“I was honored to join Governor Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, the Consul General of India Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, my good legislative colleagues, and members of Connecticut’s South Asian community for the bill signing of Senate Bill 132, establishing the Connecticut-India Trade Commission and the launching of GOPIO’s chamber of commerce,” said Senator Gadkar-Wilcox. “As the daughter of Indian immigrants, this moment is especially meaningful. This commission will strengthen our ties with India, one of the world’s strongest and rising economies, in order to expand local economic opportunities for manufacturing, technology education, the arts, and green energy. It also acknowledges the history and many contributions of the South Asian community across our state and creates new avenues for meaningful collaboration going forward.”

The Connecticut-India Trade Commission will consist of legislative appointees, gubernatorial appointees, higher education representatives, chamber of commerce members, and Indian-American community leaders. The commission will promote business and academic exchanges, encourage investment, identify policy opportunities, and recommend future legislative initiatives.

By Michelle Rappaport