[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      INDO-AMERICAN HI-TECH LINKS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 21, 2000

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, we can all be justifiably proud of the 
fact that our nation is continuing its unparalleled record of economic 
growth. We can also be proud of the fact that our growth, which has 
benefited so many American citizens, rests in large measure on our hi-
tech industries.
  But how many of us recognize that our prosperity also rests in part 
on the intelligence, entrepreneurship and skills of many thousands of 
Indians, and Indo-Americans?
  Let me provide my colleagues with some facts about how Indian trained 
software engineers, computer programmers and designers contribute to 
America's prosperity.
  Indians own or run over 750 Silicon Valley firms that collectively 
employ over 16,000 people and have achieved over $3.5 billion in sales.
  Of the 115,000 visas given by the United States for skilled workers 
in 1999, 35,000 went to Indians.
  The vast majority of India's $4 billion in software sales last year 
went to American companies.
  American firms like Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, IBM and Oracle 
increasingly are looking to invest in India or purchase hi-tech 
products from India.
  President Clinton recognizes the contributions India has made to 
America's economic growth. When he visits India later this month, he is 
expected to stop in the city of Hyderabad, one of the centers for 
India's growing hi-tech industry. His stop will dramatize India's rapid 
development as a cutting edge hi-tech nation and it is a confirmation 
that India and the United States have both greatly benefited from the 
business acumen of Indian entrepreneurs. It is also a recognition that 
our ties to India are far broader and far deeper than most observers 
believe.
  Mr. Speaker, India is important to the United States. Our policies in 
that region should reflect this. That is why I am pleased to have had 
this opportunity to share the reason for being optimistic about the 
future of U.S.-Indian relations.

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