South Carolina keen to forge alliance with Punjab

CHANDIGARGH: The Governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley today announced to forge collaboration in the varied fields of education, skill development training, livestock and food processing industries with Punjab government to boost the bi-lateral socio-economic ties.

The announcement was made by Haley while presiding over the Cultural programme organised here.

In her address, the Governor of South Carolina assured Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal that she would certainly get proposals put forth by him regarding the setting up of university and other higher educational institutions of excellence in the field of engineering, medical, social sciences and skill development training in the upcoming Edu city in New Chandigarh thoroughly examined by her government for their implementation in letter and spirit.

Haley said Punjabis had always shared cordial ties with US especially in South Carolina besides contributing enormously in its overall development and prosperity, adding she said, "India and South Carolina have a lot in common so we will like to see more Indian and Punjabi businesses in our state" Striking an emotional chord with Punjab, Haley said her Sikh parents had migrated to the US in the 1960s, where she was born.

The Governor said since she had Punjabi origin and was emotionally attached with this region and was passionate to contribute immensely in its socio-economic development by joining hands in various sectors of mutual interest with Punjab government.

Haley reiterated that she was committed to connect two homes South Carolina and Punjab being the Punjabi daughter.

She also invited a delegation of eminent industrialists, educationists, academicians and prospective entrepreneurs from Punjab to visit South Carolina for making investment there also and assured all support for this.

Earlier in his address, the Chief Minister described Haley as the daughter of Punjab and her husband Michel Haley as the son-in-law of Punjab.

He envisaged technical support and cooperation from Haley for the development of agriculture and allied farming sector especially the livestock.

The Chief Minister said, "Haley has made every Punjabi proud by becoming the youngest Governor of South Carolina in the US and now we all wished and pray to almighty that she should soon become the President of USA."

He impressed upon the visiting Governor to set up their ventures in the upcoming Medi City and Edu City at New Chandigarh where there was a huge scope of mutual collaboration.