Tuesday, August 22 2006 14:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Leaders of American business, industry, education and state and local government are expected join the largest ever US Business Development Mission to India, described as 'the world's fastest growing free-market democracy' in November.

India presents lucrative opportunities for US companies in a wide range of sectors, according to the US Commerce Department, and to help US firms make contacts and sales in this booming market, Under Secretary for International Trade Franklin L. Lavin will lead a delegation to the India Business Summit Nov 29-30.

The Summit will provide access to India's high-level business, industry and government representatives and opportunities to gain timely insights into the country's trade and investment climate, says the department in inviting participation from US business and industry leaders.

This precedent-setting initiative, potentially involving the largest ever overseas delegation of its kind led by a US government official, will serve as the capstone of a year of successful activities conducted under the auspices of the US-India Commercial Dialogue, honouring the commitment of President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to revitalise bilateral trade discussions, it says.

Following the Summit, the US Commercial Service posts in India will concurrently host spin-off missions for US exporters in Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and New Delhi Dec 4-5 and in Mumbai, Dec 1 and 4.

The spin-off missions will be open to qualified US business representatives in a range of promising sectors and will include market briefings, networking receptions, and one-on-one business appointments with prospective agents, distributors, partners, and end-users.

Participation in the Summit will be open to 200 US applicants. Participation in the spin-off missions will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to 20 appropriate companies per city, the Department said.