NUICC to Launch its Northwest Chapter: A Gateway to Economic Collaboration Between US and India

The National U.S. India Chamber of Commerce (NUICC) will officially launch its Northwest Chapter in Bellevue, April 2025, marking a historic milestone as the first U.S.-India Chamber of Commerce in the state of Washington and the Northwest region in over 50 years.

Purnima Voria with US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo. PHOTO: Purnima Voria

NUICC held a soft launch for the Northwest Chapter on November 27, 2024, in Bellevue, Washington. This chapter will serve states including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, and Oregon. The inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Seattle in 2024 solidified her resolve to establish this chapter.

NUICC President and CEO, Purnima Voria, told South Asian Herald, “For over 50 years, the Northwest region of the United States lacked a dedicated Indian chamber of commerce. Recognizing this as a missed opportunity for both Northwest businesses and Indian enterprises, I felt the need to address this gap.”

Voria emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting the scale of the upcoming formal launch event. “It will be a mega event,” Voria shared, noting the event will feature dignitaries such as Governor of Washington, Bob Ferguson, Mayor of Bellevue, Lynne Robinson, Mayor of Seattle, Bruce Harrell, Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra, Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, and Governors of nine Northwest states.

According to Voria, the Northwest region is a thriving hub of industries poised for U.S.-India collaboration, including technology and innovation, aerospace and manufacturing, clean energy and sustainability, agriculture and food processing, and healthcare and biotech.

“The establishment of this Chamber ensures that these sectors now have a dedicated platform to connect, innovate, and build lasting partnerships. It also provides businesses with the tools and resources to thrive in the dynamic U.S.-India corridor,” she added. “Northwest chamber is more than an organization—it is a bridge to foster collaboration between two vibrant regions.”

With over 20 years of leadership at NUICC, with global headquarters in Denver, Colorado, and Asia headquarters in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Voria expressed excitement about engaging with the Northwest’s corporate and Indian-American leaders. “Together, we can create opportunities, drive progress, and build a brighter future for the business community on both sides of the globe,” she said.

As a community leader, Voria also extended a warm welcome to Indians abroad in a video promoting the 18^th edition of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, scheduled for January 8–10, 2025, in Odisha. She explained her ongoing efforts to invite the State of Odisha to form a strategic partnership with NUICC to boost trade and investment in the Northwest region.

From left, Joydeep Hazra, Nathan McCommen, Joe Fain, and Purnima Voria during the soft launch on November 27, 2024, in Bellevue, Washington. PHOTO: Purnima Voria

In addition, Voria congratulated President-elect Donald Trump, expressing optimism about the potential for strengthened U.S.-India relations under the new administration.

She remarked, “India and the United States have always shared a unique bond, rooted in economic partnerships and cultural exchange. This relationship has immense potential to grow even further under visionary leadership, creating opportunities for both nations in sectors like technology, healthcare, renewable energy, aerospace, and agriculture.”

As an appointee to the National Advisory Council for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), she played a crucial role in shaping policies for the 7.8 million minority-owned businesses in the U.S., representing a $1.3 trillion economy. Voria’s commitment to fostering U.S.-India ties is evident from her history of accompanying U.S. leaders on significant missions to India. Notably, she joined Ivanka Trump at the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad, India.

Purnima Voria with CGI, Seattle, Prakash Gupta. PHOTO: Purnima Voria

“Each of these moments underscored the importance of U.S.-India collaboration and the mutual benefits of strengthening our economic partnership,” she noted.

According to Voria, NUICC aims to serve as a bridge for fostering trade and investment from India to the Northwest region. “We will act as the primary point of contact for the Consul General and other Indian government institutions on matters related to trade and investment,” she explained.

Founded in 2005 under the guidance of the late Vice President of India, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, NUICC has consistently championed trade and investment between the two nations. Voria highlighted that the Chamber exemplifies the spirit of service and the American dream, uniting communities in the process.