The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma yesterday met Ms. Penny Pritzker, the US Commerce Secretary in Washington. Shri Sharma congratulated Ms. Pritzker on her appointment as the new Commerce Secretary. 

During the meeting Shri Sharma conveyed Ms. Pritzker that the movement of highly trained professionals delivering technology services should not be mistaken with the immigrants. He shared the concerns of Indian IT industry with regard to inclusion of restrictive provisions on mobility of skilled professionals in the US Immigration legislation currently under consideration in the US Congress. 

Shri Sharma also briefed Ms. Pritzker on India’s patent regime which is based on law; is fully TRIPS compliant and is backed by strong enforcement mechanisms. 

Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Sharma underscored the need for a frank exchange of views on various bilateral issues. He also emphasised the importance of approaching these issues from the perspective of enhancing India-US trade and economic engagement. 

Shri Sharma highlighted the opportunities for the US businesses in India’s National Manufacturing Policy. He informed Ms. Pritzker that India has approved setting up of 13 National Investment and Manufacturing Zones of which eight have been approved along Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. 

Shri Sharma and Commerce Secretary Ms. Pritzker also agreed to maintain high level communication between them and strengthen functional dialogue mechanisms between the officials on both sides. 

US Commerce Secretary Ms. Pritzker accepted Shri Sharma’s invitation to visit India on mutually convenient dates. 

Shri Sharma met the President and CEO of Walmart Asia, Mr. Scott Price to discuss issues related to multi-brand retail trading. He also met Amazon.com's Vice President for Global Public Policy, Mr. Paul Misener to discuss issues pertaining to e-commerce.