Embassy Archives What's New/Press Releases

Press Release on the Visit of Commerce & Industry Minister, Mr. Kamal Nath to Washington, DC, June 11-12, 2008

Washington, DC 
June 11, 2008

Commerce & Industry Minister, Mr. Kamal Nath arrived in Washington D.C. on June 11 for bilateral discussions on WTO-related issues. He met with Secretary of Treasury, Mr. Henry M. Paulson. In addition to Doha Development Agenda (DDA), discussions also touched other issues of mutual interest in bilateral relations including a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Second round of exploratory discussions on BIT are being held in Washington on June 11-13. 

Minister met with Senator Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. They discussed matters relating to the current status of the Doha Round negotiations and recent positive developments in bilateral commercial and economic relations. 

Minister also met with Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Ed Schafer and the US Commerce Secretary, Mr. Carlos M. Gutierrez. He also met briefly with US Trade Representative, Ambassador Susan C. Schwab; the two would be meeting again tomorrow for detailed discussions on the DDA.

Later in the day tomorrow, Minister Nath would be hosted by Mr. Charlie Rose in a discussion on “India in the 21st Century – A Partner in Free-market Democracy” at the US-India Global Partnership Summit which US-India Business Council is organizing to mark its 33rd anniversary. US Commerce Secretary, Mr. Carlos M. Gutierrez and US Trade Representative Ambassador Susan C. Schwab are among the other keynote speakers at the event.