Lt. Gov. Brian Calley leading trade mission to India focused on strengthening relationships, boosting investments

October 1, 2015

LANSING, Mich. – In an effort to expand markets for Michigan made products and encourage job-creating foreign direct investment in the state, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley will lead a delegation of state and business leaders on a trade mission to India starting Friday.

“We are using this opportunity to build strong partnerships with India, creating trade and business opportunities for Michigan companies,” Calley said. “We will be delivering the message that Michigan is more business-friendly than ever and the best state in the North American market to compete and grow while creating jobs.”

After arriving in Mumbai on Sunday, Calley’s trip will include meeting the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and participating in in-country briefings by the U.S. Consulate.

Calley will meet with Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of the state of Maharashtra, as well as other government officials. He will also provide remarks at the India-Michigan Global Summit, a new initiative launched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to bring business and government together to create business opportunities for Michigan companies in the India market and drive increased Indian foreign direct investment into Michigan’s automotive and manufacturing industries.

He will also meet with executives from Indian automotive companies as well as Michigan companies with operations in India. The trip also will include meetings with Indian automotive suppliers and high-ranking government leaders.

Also part of the mission are executives from five Michigan companies seeking to sell their products and services in the Indian market. The companies will be participating in meetings with prospective customers, distributors and strategic partners. The group will receive customized market research, market entry strategy and business service support.

This delegation will come together with the lieutenant governor’s delegation for several key events throughout the mission. The trip is being conducted in conjunction with the India trade office of the Conference of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers.

The participating companies are:

Argo BioMedical, Auburn Hills – Repair services of patient monitoring equipment for hospitals, surgical centers and private practices

FutureNet Group, Detroit – Infrastructure, security, construction, IT and other services to various governments

Hosco Fittings, Wixom – Finishing system components manufacturer

Managed Programs, Auburn Hills – Global product development company focused on design, engineering and manufacturing of plastic components for automotive and other industries

Orion Test Systems, Auburn Hills – Global supplier of testing solutions for laboratory and production test machinery

India is the 11^th largest economy in the world with a sizeable and rapidly growing domestic market, growing financial markets, making it an attractive destination for Michigan businesses.

• In 2014, Michigan companies exported $296.7 million in goods and materials to India.
• Michigan is ranked 18^th in the U.S. for exports to India.
• Key Michigan exports to India include chemicals, machinery, computer and electronic products and transportation equipment, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration.
• There are 44 Indian-owned companies in Michigan that employ more than 3,596 Michiganders in 69 locations, according to Dun & Bradstreet.

The India mission is Calley’s fifth since taking office in 2011. He previously led missions to Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and the Netherlands.

###