Where Industry and Security Intersect
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | BUREAU OF INDUSTRY AND SECURITY |
| Tuesday, July 12th, 2011 |
Office of Public Affairs |
| www.bis.doc.gov | 202-482-2721 |
NEW DELHI–On July 12, 2011, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Eric Hirschhorn met in New Delhi for the 8th meeting of the India-U.S. High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG).
Founded in 2002, the HTCG is dedicated to promoting and facilitating bilateral high technology commerce. The government-to-government discussions were preceded by industry discussions on July 11, which focused on identifying barriers to high technology trade and mechanisms for expanding opportunities in biotechnology and life sciences, civil aviation, nanotechnology, and defense and strategic trade.
Foreign Secretary Rao and Under Secretary Hirschhorn expressed their appreciation for the robust participation of U.S. and Indian industry in this year’s HTCG.
On civil aviation cooperation, the HTCG reached agreement on a list that will be the focus of efforts to increase U.S. business participation in the upgrade/return of target airports. The two governments will also consider U.S. participation in “greenfield” airport development opportunities at the upcoming U.S.-India Aviation Partnership summit on November 16-18 in New Delhi.
In biotechnology and life science discussions, the HTCG participants reviewed initiatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation in bio-pharmaceuticals, medical devices and health information technology.
Regarding nanotechnology, the HTCG narrowed previous recommendations to focus on specific action items in the areas of water purification, health and energy.
And in the area of defense and strategic trade, the HTCG agreed to move forward expeditiously with implementing the remaining obligations of the President and Prime Minister’s November 2010 commitment to transform export control policies and to work together to expand opportunities in defense, homeland security, and other high technology sectors.
In all areas, the delegation considered the issues raised during the industry discussions on July 11 and agreed to integrate recommendations, as appropriate, into the action plans.
Foreign Secretary Rao and Under Secretary Hirschhorn agreed that the HTCG continues to play an important role in strengthening the U.S.-India strategic partnership.
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