T.N. govt. inks pact with Connecticut to strengthen economic ties

Apart from being the two largest democracies in the world, India and the United States (U.S.) have so much in common, including a spiritual connection and shared strategic interests, said Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut, U.S., on Tuesday.

Apart from being the two largest democracies in the world, India and the United States (U.S.) have so much in common, including a spiritual connection and shared strategic interests, said Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut, U.S., on Tuesday (February 25, 2025).

Mr. Lamont was in Chennai heading a delegation of officials and business leaders from Connecticut on an economic mission in India. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Connecticut and the Tamil Nadu government to strengthen economic ties between the two States.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Lamont said, “Connecticut and Tamil Nadu in many aspects have so much in common. Connecticut is one of the most innovative States in the U.S., just like your State [Tamil Nadu].” He said measures were being taken to create an ecosystem that would make Connecticut a welcoming place for companies to start businesses.

Highlighting the presence of a strong and vibrant Indian diaspora in Connecticut, Mr. Lamont invited Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa and business leaders to visit the State. “We have a fair number of companies very interested in expanding in Tamil Nadu as well,” he added.

Speaking to The Hindu, Daniel O’Keefe, Economic and Community Development Commissioner, Connecticut, said: “The goal of the MoU is to strengthen economic ties between Connecticut and Tamil Nadu. It focuses on two important sectors such as manufacturing and biosciences. The MoU is just the beginning of our partnership. We have an action plan for the next 90 days. A working group will be constituted to coordinate further.”

Mr. Rajaa said Connecticut and Tamil Nadu shared amazing manufacturing prowess. “India is extremely capable of doing things. With the right kind of help from the United States and the developed world, we could add more value to each and every corner of the world.”

The Minister also highlighted that 43% of all working women in the organised sector in India are from Tamil Nadu. “We have 25 of the top 100 universities in India. The State has the highest number of PhDs in India and produces 1.5 lakh engineers annually. Enabling them is the key for us. When we go out to the world looking for investments, we are not looking for numbers, but for high-end jobs for the hugely talented workforce that we have in Tamil Nadu.”