A new cross-border business hub, the U.S.–India Collaborative Corridor (USICC), was inaugurated in Piscataway, New Jersey, aimed at enhancing trade relations and providing a platform for Indian companies to enter the U.S. market.
Piscataway, NJ – On September 22, 2023, the Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, officially inaugurated the U.S.–India Collaborative Corridor (USICC), a 5,800-square-foot business and trade hub designed to facilitate the expansion of Indian companies into the United States. The facility, established by EntryOpen, aims to create practical pathways for American businesses to access opportunities in India.
The inauguration event attracted over 100 representatives from government, business, and various institutions, highlighting the collaborative spirit intended to drive economic engagement between the two nations. The USICC is already operational, hosting seven incubating Indian companies and showcasing products from more than 50 Indian brands, including those featured in the newly unveiled One District One Product (ODOP) Marketplace.
Ambassador Pradhan’s Vision for Bilateral Trade
In his inaugural address, Ambassador Pradhan connected the initiative to the ambitious goal set by the India–U.S. bilateral trade vision, known as Mission 500, which aims to elevate bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. He underscored the necessity of incorporating new Indian exporters and American importers into the trade relationship, positioning the USICC as a vital contributor to this objective.
“I wish that we had such initiatives in other parts of the United States and also back home in India to promote the trade between our two countries,” Ambassador Pradhan stated, emphasizing the potential of such hubs to foster lasting economic collaboration.
Unveiling of the ODOP Marketplace
The inauguration also marked the official unveiling of the ODOP Marketplace, which aligns with the Government of India’s One District One Product initiative. This marketplace is set to highlight regional products and craftsmanship from 12 Indian states, showcasing a diverse array of items, including textiles, metalwork, tea, and beverages.
Ambassador Pradhan noted that the USICC’s location in New Jersey is strategically significant due to its proximity to the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as Newark Liberty International Airport, providing essential access to American importers and the broader Northeast market.
Addressing Challenges in Indian Export
The USICC was conceived from the experiences of Entry USA and Entry India, which have collectively assisted over 1,000 companies with their business establishment and market entry efforts. A recurring challenge identified by these organizations was the need for Indian exporters to have ongoing opportunities to present their products to American buyers outside of costly, short-duration trade exhibitions. Moreover, American businesses often struggle to identify reliable partners and navigate market entry in India without an established local network.
Navin Pathak and Jayanti Chandrasekar, co-founders of USICC, articulated the need for a dedicated space where Indian manufacturers can maintain year-round visibility and engagement with American buyers. “Trade relationships grow through continuing engagement between businesses,” Pathak remarked. “We wanted Indian manufacturers to have a year-round place where American buyers could see, experience, and sample their products.”
Facilitating Cross-Border Business Engagement
The USICC is designed to bridge two critical facets of cross-border business: market engagement and operational execution. It offers a physical space for product showcases, buyer meetings, and curated events aimed at generating interest and initiating commercial discussions. Furthermore, it connects emerging opportunities with operational support, including company establishment, logistics, and market-entry acceleration for Indian technology firms.
For American businesses, the Corridor serves as an entry point into India’s diverse markets, supported by EntryOpen’s established operations in both countries. This includes access to suppliers, manufacturing partners, and resources for establishing U.S. operations.
Support for Emerging and Established Brands
The USICC houses a mix of established brands, such as P-TAL and Two Brothers Organic Farms, alongside emerging businesses like Acaii Living and Purple Lume. For established companies, the hub offers opportunities to deepen buyer engagement and bolster distribution relationships. Emerging brands benefit from a platform to introduce their products, gain market feedback, and cultivate commercial relationships without the immediate burden of establishing a separate U.S. showroom.
Future Plans and Ongoing Engagement
Following its launch, USICC plans to expand its offerings by welcoming more showcasing and incubating companies, enhancing sector-specific buyer engagements, and furthering technology and investor connections. The objective is to continuously develop cross-border business opportunities between India and the United States.
Pathak concluded, “The inauguration is an important milestone, but what matters most is what happens here afterward — the buyers who discover new products, the companies that establish operations, the partnerships that develop, and the business opportunities that move forward.”
About EntryOpen and USICC
EntryOpen is the brand that encompasses Entry USA and Entry India, dedicated to supporting business establishment and market access between the United States and India. The USICC represents a significant investment in fostering bilateral trade relations, combining product showcases with essential business infrastructure.
