By Michael Tomberlin -- The Birmingham News
Gov. Bob Riley announced Tuesday a trade mission to India next year, following a meeting with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former president of India. Riley said he will lead a delegation of state and business leaders on the economic development trip in May.
"When an Alabama company finds a customer in a growing market like India, they create jobs in Alabama through exports," Riley said in a prepared statement.
Before the announcement, Riley and Kalam met to discuss strengthening trade and investment ties between Alabama and India.
Exports from Alabama to India are on the rise. From January to August this year, the value of those exports totaled $95 million, according to the governor's office. That's already approaching the $99 million posted in all of 2008 and tops $75 million in 2007.
Kalam is making several other stops in Alabama.
Law firm Haskell Slaughter Young & Rediker hosted a private reception for him in Birmingham on Tuesday night.
Kalam's three-day Alabama visit will also include a stop in Huntsville. Along the way, Kalam and his associates are visiting with students, university presidents, business executives, scientists and aerospace leaders. A stop at UAB was in his plans.
India's Mahindra Automotive is providing a Scorpio SUV for Kalam's use during his Alabama visit, which ends Thursday. Mahindra vehicles will soon be available in Alabama through a new U.S. dealer network that will include locations in Center Point and Montgomery opened by Serra Automotive Group.
Sanjeev Mahoni, a senior vice president with Mahindra Automotive, is traveling with Kalam.
Kalam was India's 11th president, serving 2002-07. He is also known for helping to develop India's first rocket capable of launching a satellite.