In a first ever visit to Jaipur by a U.S. Commerce Secretary, Secretary Bryson led his 16-business trade delegation there to see first-hand the vast business opportunities available in India’s rapidly expanding infrastructure sector and to promote bilateral cooperation on innovation.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, Secretary Bryson and the delegation met with senior Rajasthan state government officials and business leaders to explore how U.S. technology and products can support Rajasthan’s infrastructure development goals. Bryson said he is confident that trade between the U.S. and Rajasthan will grow substantially as a result of this mission.

He also gave remarks before a group of Rajasthan industry representatives, where he discussed trade and investment opportunities that benefit both the United States and India. Bryson said the bilateral investment relationship between the U.S. and India is stronger than ever. U.S. direct investment in India is now over $27 billion across a wide range of sectors including services, manufacturing, information and technology. At the same time, India is a fast-growing source of foreign direct investment into the United States. Indian companies employ tens of thousands of American workers in professional, technical, and scientific services – as well as other industries. Bryson welcomed this increase in foreign direct investment in American companies and economy.

Earlier in the day, Bryson and the delegation toured Jaipur Foot and Mahindra World City, Jaipur, to learn how they can partner with Indian companies to provide their equipment, services and technologies to help the region achieve its development goals. At Jaipur Foot, a manufacturer of a polymer-based prosthetic device for below-the-knee amputations, Bryson spotlighted the partnership between the two countries in successfully applying innovative technologies for prosthesis manufacturing. U.S. research institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University are assisting in the commercialization of some of the technologies. At Mahindra World City, senior Mahindra Group officials gave a tour and outlined the many opportunities for U.S. and Indian companies to collaborate on infrastructure projects. Mahindra World City, a joint economic venture between Mahindra and the government of Rajasthan, is planned as an integrated business city spread over 3,000 acres.

Tonight, Secretary Bryson travels to Mumbai for the final leg of the trade mission.