WTC Indianapolis signs partnership with World Trade Center Pune

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 29, 2019) – World Trade Center Indianapolis and World Trade Center Pune forged a new partnership over the weekend, signaling an era of cooperation between the Hoosier-based economic development group and their counterparts in Pune, India. Managing director of World Trade Center Pune, Sagar Chordia, joined WTC Indianapolis official Doris Anne Sadler and Indiana Economic Development Corporation India director Raju Chinthala at gathering of Indiana business leaders on Sunday to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two World Trade Centers.

The signed agreement details potential opportunities for WTC Indianapolis and WTC Pune to collaborate—including trade missions, lead generation for businesses in both regions, and support for each organizations’ international marketing efforts. Both World Trade Center groups will name a liaison to serve as first contact for the partnership.

“We are leading Indiana into a new era of economic cooperation with India,” said WTC president Doris Anne Sadler. “Between the work of firms like Cummins and Infosys and the work Governor Holcomb has done to establish connections in India, our state economy is in a great position grow alongside some of the fastest emerging markets in the world.”

Governor Holcomb led a trade delegation to Pune in October 2017, creating the pathway for World Trade Center Pune and WTC Indianapolis to collaborate. The two regions have a longstanding history, however. Columbus-based manufacturer Cummins opened its India headquarters in Pune in 1962, and the two have been sister cities since 2018. Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop even traveled with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to meet with World Trade Center Pune.

“The MOU between WTC Indianapolis and WTC Pune, Maharashtra is significant considering the similar industrial ecosystem in states of Indiana and Maharashtra,” said Mr. Sagar Chordia, managing director of WTC Pune. He added that the existing bilateral trade and investments can be mutually fostered by the two WTC  locations, with inward delegations and trade services to serve as a starting point.