O'Malley claims successes on India trip
Gov. Martin O'Malley, wrapping up the second full day of his trade mission to India, said Tuesday that his visit to the world's second-largest nation has already paid off by helping to wrap up business deals that are expected to bring jobs to Maryland.
Speaking via Skype from Mumbai, where it was after 10 p.m., to reporters gathered in the State House Tuesday morning, O'Malley predicted that India would rank among Maryland's five largest trade partners within five years. He said the Asian nation now ranks 11th among the nations to which Maryland exports, up from 18th in 2005.
"It would be economically irresponsible of us not to become more engaged with India," O'Malley said.
O'Malley is leading a delegation including his wife, state officials, educators and business leaders -- more than 100 in all --- on a six-day trip to India via the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar. The delegation's first Indian stop was in Hyderabad. The group had a schedule of events Tuesday in Mumbai and is expected to go to New Delhi Wednesday.
The governor's trip has been criticized by some state residents for its cost and because of doubts of its value, but O'Malley countered that such missions are vital to competing in the modern business world. He said the criticism of his foreign travel reflect a strain of "xenophobia" in American politics.
"Our state is a great place because of our trade with people all around the world," he said. "That's our legacy, that's our tradition, that's our history."
The governor also noted that Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, had led a delegation to India just two weeks ago. But O'Malley boasted that Maryland sent a much larger group -- the largest state delegation ever to visit that country.
In recent decades, Maryland governors of both parties have embarked on trade missions -- often amid questions about whether the results justify the expense. But economic development proponents regularly contend that the personal involvement of top elected officials is critical in promoting their states.
Matt Proud, political director for the Maryland Republican Party, declined to criticize O'Malley's travels. He did, however, comment that it was good to finally see the governor do something to drum up business for the state.
Among the deals finalized on the trip was a contract under which Rockville-based Sheladia Associates -- an engineering and architecture firm -- will provide design services for construction of a highway in India. Manish Kothari, president of the firm who is traveling with O'Malley, said the $3.7 million deal will lead to increased hiring at its Rockville headquarters.
Meanwhile, Greenbelt-based ANGARAI, a management consulting firm, signed an agreement with CI, a technology development company based in Chennai, India, to work together on various projects -- a deal that could lead to CI opening a Maryland office.
In addition, Maryland sealed an agreement with the U.S. India Importers Council under which the state and the business group will work together to promote exports from Maryland to India.
Karen Glenn Hood, a spokeswoman for the Department of Business and Economic Development, said it would be several weeks before the state has a precise estimate of the cost of the trip. But she said it would likely be in the neighborhood of the $144,086 cost of the governor's 10-day trip to China, Korea and Vietnam in May and June. She said the delegation on that trip was smaller but that the longer duration would likely make the two trips close in price. The figures do not include the cost of the governor's security detail, which is paid for out of the Maryland State Police budget.
The private business people and three Indian-American delegates on the trip are paying their own expenses, according to the governor's office. University officials' travel is being covered out of the budgets of their institutions, while the state is paying the costs for 11 state officials making the trip -- as well as First Lady Katie O'Malley.
--Michael Dresser
Comments
very good Gov-Babboo
Posted by: Anonymous | November 29, 2011 3:05 PM
Your article re Gov. Omalley's overseas trade mission to India ….reminded me of a story you might enjoy about the late great William Donald Schaefer…and his international exploits…on his European trade mission…in the not-too-distant past. While I think the skillful use of the Trade mission tool can create real advantages for a state in the never-ending competition for jobs and investment, they are inevitably a logistical nightmare filled with drama.
The year was 1989 and I was an EVP for Westinghouse Defense International based here at BWI. It was also a Paris Air Show year…a bi-annual trade exposition at le Bourget in Paris. Westinghouse always had a chalet on the flight line…think a small catered restaurant where fine food and drink are served to customers and prospective customers alike…The Paris Air Show is the best and largest and we had probably 50-60 people in Paris for the show…It lasts a week with the first 4 days as Trade only and the last three….Friday and the weekend…open to the public.
Governor Schaefer’s trade mission was to begin in Germany…but we invited him and his party to stop in Paris on the way over…at the end of the Air show. The Governor was planning to visit Slovenia whilst in Europe to support our bid there…and this would afford an opportunity for a pre-brief. The Governor and his party were arriving on Saturday morning ...a public day…and would come to Le Bourget directly from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) airport. Since most of our team had gone home on Thursday…the last Trade day….and the Paris hotels required us to take rooms for the full week…we extended these empty rooms to the Governor and his party.
I went personally to CDG on Saturday morning to greet the Governor in one of our small buses…His flight was on time and we collected the some 20 people or so that were in his party….and their luggage…and headed for Le Bourget….The Governor’s party was an interesting one with the Presidents of the then two largest banks in the state (Maryland National and one other I cannot recall) , a couple of County Exec’s…some leading business luminaries (I remember only Mr. Phillips of Phillip’s restaurants), and a handful of academics….plus some of the Governor’s staff. The Governor also had brought along his lady…the irrepressible Hilda Mae Snoops…and she had brought along some of her bridge playing buddies. It was quite a group…and they all seemed to have packed for a ten week trip…so the mini-bus looked more like it was carrying escaping refugees than visiting dignitaries…
Ed Silcott, then #2 at the Defense group for Westinghouse, had agreed to extend his stay in Paris to host the Governor and his party at Le Bourget. They were served an elegant lunch…and after a brief business meeting to discuss the Slovenian proposal…sat outside to watch the flying….If you have never been…it is a magnificent mixture of the best planes and pilots on earth…and fine french wines.
Not long after the Governor and his people sat down for lunch…I was visited by my Transportation manager…a local contractor who supplied us with all the cars, buses and vehicles required to move 50-60 executives to and from the show and appointments all over Paris…He explained that it was the 100th anniversary of the Eiffel Tower…and that the French were planning to start blocking streets for the festivities in a few hours…His bottom line…the Traffic would be horrendous….and if we didn’t leave soon we may not reach our hotel until well after midnight. It remains unclear to me why we hadn’t discussed this sooner…
I called the Governor’s chief of staff into my office and had my Transportation guy explain the problem. I watched as all the blood drained from his face….He explained the Governor was committed to visit the then Martin Marietta. chalet…and that the Governor felt obligated to go there no matter what…I asked him what he wanted to do…and he walked out without answering….I had my staff find alternative room reservations outside Paris for the Governor and his party…as well as seats on a flight to their next location…just to create some options…The Governor’s guy came back to me in about an hour saying that we would just stick to the schedule as best we could and hope for the best re: the Eiffel Tower celebration…and related traffic issues….but they would head into Paris and our hotel.
I suggested we get the Governor off to see Martin Marietta as soon as possible… (They had been calling, convinced we were somehow planning to block the Governor from visiting them) and get the rest of the group headed back to the hotel in Paris as soon as he returned…I was surprised that none of the delegation were planning to join the Governor….and sent along a uniformed security guard with him…with instructions to move things along as quickly as possible. ..and to keep his microphone open…so we could communicate…
Thus, while a few of us sat around waiting for the Governor to return….we were treated to a monologue that cannot be repeated here…The Governor was good enough to keep his Martin Marietta visit brief…but on the way back…spotted the Aerospatiale chalet…and wanted to stick his head in…Maryland had bought several Medevac helicopters from them in the prior year…and the Governor seemed to want some appreciation and recognition. Of course, nothing had been pre-arranged…..so the young French lovelies working the front of the Aerospatiale chalet had no idea who this man was who was bellowing that he was …”the Big Kahuna Maryland”…as this all wafted thru our security guys radio…back to our chalet….The Governor stormed out ….and shared his frustration with our very professional security guy for the ten minute walk back …”That is the last GD time I will ever buy anything from the f#^*g frogs. “could be heard loud and clear thru the radio. We laughed until we cried.
We got everybody organized and on the bus…such that when the Governor hit our door we could get him on the Bus and headed to the hotel. I distinctly recall the trip back into Paris was the easiest and shortest of the week….despite all the Eiffel Tower brouhaha ...and I am still looking for that Transportation guy as a result. I will kill him if I find him.
That evening the Governor and his party had invited us to join them for dinner to reciprocate for the luncheon…Dr. Joseph Yang and I represented Westinghouse…The restaurant seated us at two tables…I remember it because the Governor’s staff had seated themselves all at the head table…leaving two very unhappy major Bank President s to spend their first evening in Paris with Hilda Mae’s bridge buddies…Mrs. Yang and I were seated at the main table with Hilda Mae…who began the evening by advising “I don’t live with the old goat you know”….
Doubtlessly, Governor Schaefer’s trip was a great success back in the day…. Travel is tough and arduous under the best of circumstances….and there is no substitute for personal contact. I am confident the Governor and his party left an indelible impression on everyone they met….and ever so glad I was only part of it for just the one day….
Posted by: Jim Burrows | November 29, 2011 4:05 PM
Yes, the sweet smell of success. And how does a MOM measure such success? Well, let's watch MOM's political "take" of contributions, and how many come from Indian Americans and Indian companies with US subsidiaries. Shoveling in the curry, eh, ya bold Leprachaun, ya, and yer luvely bride the Joodge.
Posted by: didactic1 | November 29, 2011 4:08 PM
"He said the criticism of his foreign travel reflect a strain of "xenophobia" in American politics."
Not so at all Owe'Malley!!!
The criticism originates from recognition that the State of MD, and the country, are teetering on economic chaos and you are acting like a spendthrift pursuing mediocrity.
Grow up, but I doubt that you can or ever will.
I am so pleased I am not longer a resident of the 'State of Insanity and Mediocrity' called MD, and therefore, you won't be able to use/abuse my tax dollars anymore.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 29, 2011 4:12 PM
Good for you, Anonymous. It's nice to hear from people who couldn't cut it in Maryland.
Posted by: Mr_Paul | November 30, 2011 10:01 AM
It is rather childish of MOM to compare his trip to the governor Of Virginia's trip by boasting about it.
Shouldn't MOM be paying for his wife's travel?
Posted by: Anonymous | November 30, 2011 1:19 PM