WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Jeff Zients, director of the National Economic Council, called upon the names of future U.S. government administrations to further the joint strategic vision of the U.S. and India, saying the two nations are “indispensable partners in promoting peace, prosperity and stability in the region.”
The partnership between the U.S. and India has never been stronger, he added, but the two countries still need to do much better given the size of their economies.
“Over the past seven-and-a-half years, our cooperation has strengthened in every field – from developing life-saving solutions for infectious diseases to strengthening humanitarian and disaster relief,” Zients said.
In addition to his director status, Zients also serves as Assistant to the U.S. President for Economic Policy. Prior to that, he was appointed by the president to a newly created position of United States Chief Performance Officer. Before joining the Obama administration, Zients spent 20 years in the private sector as a CEO, management consultant and entrepreneur.
Trades between the two countries has reached $109 billion and investment is generating new jobs and healthier economies, he revealed.
However, the framework of a bilateral trade agreement must continue to be worked on, he said. That and furthering investment strategy must be of the highest importance.
Asked about the continued discussions on a new Bilateral Investment Treaty between the two countries and whether any positive closure was expected during the meetings, Zients said over 500 U.S. companies are active in India and the U.S. foreign direct investment in India stands at over $28 billion.