Consulate General of India
Chicago
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Consul General’s visit to Peoria on 2-3 September 2021
Consul General Amit Kumar visited Peoria on 2-3 September and met several important interlocutors.
On 3 September, CG Kumar met Congressman Darin LaHood. They discussed the importance of, and priorities in India-US relationship and further strengthening of bilateral ties. They also discussed ideas to deepen India-Illinois engagement and agreed to be in touch. Congressman LaHood appreciated the contributions of the rich vibrant Indian American community in Peoria.
CG Kumar also interacted with a group of entrepreneurs, business representatives and academics at a roundtable organised by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. He briefed them on the priorities in economic and commercial engagement as well as higher education. He identified advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, climate change efforts, electric vehicles, healthcare industry, food processing, etc. as some of the key areas for engagement with Illinois. The interaction that followed was wide-ranging and touched upon specific cooperation opportunities including initiatives of the government of India including PLI schemes to bolster manufacturing, and how to connect small and medium enterprises on both sides.
CG Kumar met Stephen Standifird, President of Bradley University to discuss higher education cooperation. CG Kumar additionally interacted with a cross-section of people at lunch organised by Ms. Angela Weck, Executive Director of the Peoria World Affairs Council.
CG Kumar had arrived in Peoria on 2 September evening and interacted with members of the Indian community at the event organised by the Indo American Society of Peoria. He briefed them on the India-US partnership, activities of the Consulate, diaspora engagement, etc. and addressed their queries on various issues.
Illinois is India's important trade partner in the US mid-west region. The annual bilateral trade between India and Illinois has been close to USD 2.9 billion during recent years. As per trade figures through June this year, our bilateral trade is expected to reach USD 3.4 billion in 2021. Within Illinois, Peoria is an important region for advanced manufacturing, health care industry and now Electric Vehicles.
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Chicago, 05September 2021
