US eases technology import rules for GE India

18 June 2009

The US commerce department will allow General Electric India (GE India), later this month, to enter a pre-approved export "express lane" as a trusted end user, making it the first Indian company to qualify as a validated end-user (VEU) for US technology in India.

The `VEU' designation will allow GE India to receive certain controlled items from the United States, including civilian aircraft technology and explosive detection equipment without an individual licence, cutting red tape and making the flow of trade more efficient between the countries, the commerce department said in a release.

Secretary of commerce Gary Locke announced the important step forward during remarks at the US-India Business Council's 34th anniversary `Synergies Summit.'

He said the opening of the VEU programme is an indication of the increased importance of the US-India bilateral and commercial relationship.

"This is an important step in enabling a more rapid and efficient flow of sensitive technology between India and the United States," Locke said. "It also is a significant effort to build trust between the United States and India. We're looking forward to reciprocal actions from our partner," he added.

The program is administered by the department of commerce's bureau of industry and security (BIS) and implemented by an interagency committee consisting of representatives from the departments of commerce, state, defense, energy and, when appropriate, the treasury, the release said.