The Arkansas World Trade Center led a week-long trade mission to India that began on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Delegates returned on Wednesday, Feb. 13.  Representatives from the ARWTC, the University of Arkansas Economic Development Institute, and  Arkansas business owners attended the “Innovative Technologies for Manufacturing Expo” hosted by the Mumbai, India World Trade Center. Ram Chandrasakaran, a MBA graduate assistant from the Sam M. Walton College of Business and an ARWTC intern accompanied the mission.  

The ARWTC, a member of the World Trade Centers Association, signed memorandums of understanding with the World Trade Center Mumbai and the All India Association of Industries for strengthening trade and economic relations between WTC Mumbai and ARWTC.

 “Many positive relationships were established during our visit, with the purpose of expanding commercial opportunities between India and Arkansas while promoting peace and stability through trade,” said Dan Hendrix, President and CEO of ARWTC.

This trade mission was designed to give delegates the opportunity to network with companies who are innovative in manufacturing technology and leaders in developing new systems for machine operations. Mission delegates experienced the business culture of India while learning innovative manufacturing solutions, cost-effective manufacturing techniques, energy conservation methods and use of technology to improve quality standards and safety.

The University of Arkansas Economic Development Institute seeks opportunities to attract investments to Arkansas communities, companies and agricultural producers particularly in the Arkansas Delta.

The ARWTC and the WTC Mumbai organized business-to-business meetings for trade mission delegates to identify opportunities for joint ventures and business expansion. Key meetings were held with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Mumbai and, in New Delhi, with the Federation of India Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and Wal-Mart India.

Vance Copher, owner of Copher Quality Homes, stated, “The ARWTC really helped me establish the right business connections and as a result, we are working on logistics for delivery of goods.”  Business entrepreneur, Joe Lee added, “I had several business-to-business meetings in both New Delhi and Mumbai and I am hopeful these meetings will be beneficial to my company’s growth and expansion in the near future.”

Under consideration, is the establishment of programs between the University of Arkansas, College of Engineering and the Sam Walton College of Business with the Indian Institute of Technology and India’s University of Pune.