CII business delegation in US as part of PM's visit

New Delhi, Nov 21 : Coinciding with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's state visit to Washington, a high-level business delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is in the US to push economic ties between the two countries.

The delegation has drawn up a multi-city itinerary till Nov 23, which includes Houston, Detroit, Chicago and Washington, to explore export, investment and collaboration opportunities between the two sides.

"As India is becoming an economically strong regional and global player, companies are beginning to look at the US for specific buying and investment opportunities," a CII statement said.

"This multi-sectoral delegation is thus covering vitally important areas which will lead to greater partnerships, collaborations and economic engagement between US and Indian businesses."

Manmohan Singh will be on a four-day visit to Washington as the first state guest of President Barack Obama.

Ahead of his departure Saturday, the prime minister said India was looking forward to building on the strategic dialogue with the US and seeking greater cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, services, energy, science and technology and defence.