U.S.-India Small Medium Enterprises in Tier II and Tier III Cities

June 30th 2010 – The United States Chamber of Congress, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, Francisco Sanchez has placed an emphasis on India’s Tier II cities. Sanchez stressed the value that Indian cities are placing on improving its standard of living and the value India has. India is the largest democracy in the world and the Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Meera Shankar noted that there is a heavy burden on India’s largest cities, as the young population searches for commercial opportunity. As there is a shift towards Tier II and Tier III cities, Sanchez stated that there needs to be “Integrated strategic thinking at every level,” and that the USIBC can assist Small/Medium Enterprises (SME) to get into India and these cities.


Additionally, Sanchez showed excitement about the work that Walmart is doing with farmers. Walmart’s slogan, “Save money. Live better,” is clearly one of its priorities, on an international level. Walmart has been working directly with farmers in India and other international locations for its food products which have cut out the middle man, creating better prices for consumers and higher return to producers.

Another huge opportunity in India is its potential for green energy through Growth Emerging Metropolitan Sectors (GEMS). One U.S. based company, SPIRE, based out of Bedford Massachusetts, understands India’s increasing demand for energy and has provided solar energy options. The GEMS initiative will provide more opportunities and outreach for other SMEs similar to SPIRE, creating numerous business opportunities and a more self-reliant India.

Photo: taken at conference