CHENNAI: United States Under Secretary Francisco Sanchez on Monday expressed concern over the solar import restrictions by India and said any restriction that will have the effect on limiting the best technology to India is of concern to America. Reacting to a query on government policy wherein 30 per cent domestic content is mandatory for the solar thermal power projects in the first phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, he said, “We are believers in an open economy and any restrictions that have the effect on limiting the best technology from coming into your country is of concern to us. We believe that’s not the best way to foster a local industry.”Speaking to reporters here, Sanchez was also critical of congestion at the Chennai port and said there is a need to upgrade port facilities. Interestingly, Sanchez is leading a 12-member business delegation from leading shipping and logistics industries and is targeting Chennai for investments.Urging India to improve the business climate, he said the country is ranked 132 in World Bank report on business environment and it is in India’s interest to improve its business climate so it can attract more foreign direct investment.Sanchez who will also be touring Mumbai and Ahmedabad said that US Secretary of Commerce John Bryson will be leading a trade delegation to India next month to boost trade ties with the country. He said US now has a trade deficit with India but two-way trade has been steadily increasing.
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