[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 151 (Friday, October 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE FRIENDS OF INDIA MISSION 2015

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 16, 2015

  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the upcoming 
Friends of India 2015 Mission. The Friends of India Mission focuses on 
fostering women's business exchanges, economic empowerment, and gender 
parity while promoting meaningful, long-term dialogue among business 
and professional women in both India and the United States. For a 
decade, these missions have spurred the sharing of knowledge, ideas, 
and best practices and continue to lay the foundation for women's 
economic and political empowerment initiatives in both societies.
  Mr. Speaker, this year's delegation is quite unique. Twenty-two 
women, representing nine business sectors are committing themselves to 
expanding initiatives that promote gender impact investing, economic 
exchanges, and empowerment opportunities; all while spurring trade 
between India and the United States.
  Since 2005, Daryl Rand, the Friends of India Mission Chair, has been 
leading these missions, providing unique opportunities for women to 
expand their professional relationships and represent American 
businesses abroad. To date, approximately 90 women have traveled as 
part of this group of Friends of India.
  I am proud that businesswomen from New Jersey's 8th District continue 
to lead important missions from the United States to India. I am 
confident that this year's mission will continue to promote strong 
business and personal relationships between influential women in the 
Garden State and our friends in Mumbai.

                          ____________________