Good evening, and thank you for joining us tonight to experience and enjoy the versatility and delectability of U.S. poultry – in both Indian and American-style dishes.
This event has been a long time coming: access to the Indian market for U.S poultry has been a work in progress for more than ten years. So tonight, we are ready to celebrate!
Two-Way Trade Benefits Everyone
While U.S. chicken and turkey are the features on tonight’s menu, what we are really showcasing this evening is how both U.S. and Indian businesses prosper when bilateral trade in agricultural products is allowed to flow and to grow – benefiting producers, processors, retailers, quick-service outlets, the hotel and restaurant industry, and, most of all, consumers.
In fact, many of you play an integral role in building a market for top-quality products, such as the U.S. poultry served in Indian supermarkets, restaurants, and homes. Tonight’s guests include producers, exporters, importers, retailers, food service providers, and those of us who just like to eat poultry! Thank you for being part of this important supply chain – one that we are dedicated to making as strong and resilient as possible.
Of course, the product itself is on center stage tonight. I know some top-notch chefs have created recipes to showcase the versatility, the flavor, and the wholesomeness of U.S. poultry in Indian and U.S. cuisines. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Welcome to USDA Team and Event Sponsors
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome to the U.S. Mission in Delhi the recently arrived Chiefs of my Agricultural Team: Jeanne Bailey, Minister Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, and Dr. Murali Bandla, Minister Counselor for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Jeanne, Murali, and their teams work daily with many of you.
Next, I want to introduce the sponsors for this evening’s celebration: Jim Sumner, President, and Greg Tyler, Senior Vice President, of the U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council; and Michael McCranie, the Secretary of the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. Thank you for being here tonight, and for bringing a delegation of U.S. poultry producers and exporters with you to mark this special occasion.
With that, I invite all of you to enjoy the buffet that has been prepared, featuring U.S. chicken and turkey in a variety of Indian and U.S. dishes.
Thanks again for coming, and have a great evening.