A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to establish the india center authority in the department of commerce.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 10 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Part to read:
"Part 22. India Center Authority.
"§ 143B‑472.131.  India Center established.
(a)	There is established within the Department of Commerce the India Center Authority.
(b)	The Authority shall consist of seven members as follows:
(1)	Three shall be appointed by the Governor.
(2)	Two shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(3)	Two shall be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
(c)	Vacancies in membership of the Authority shall be filled by the original appointing authority for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(d)	The Governor shall appoint the chairman of the Authority. At its first meeting the Authority shall select a vice‑chairman from its membership and a secretary. The chairman shall preside at all meetings, and in his absence the vice‑chairman shall act as chairman.
(e)	A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum.
(f)	The initial meeting of the Authority shall be called by the Governor. Subsequent meetings shall be held upon the call of the chairman or upon the written request of two members. The Authority shall meet at least four times per year.
(g)	Authority members shall receive subsistence, travel, and per diem as provided by law.
(h)	The Department of Commerce shall provide necessary clerical equipment and administrative services to the Authority, provided the Authority may hire and discharge its own staff if it so desires.
"§ 143B‑472.132.  Purpose.
(a)	The purpose of the Authority is to plan and advocate for creation in Wake County of the India Center, a public‑private entity based on the Japan Center at North Carolina State University.
(b)	The purpose of the India Center will be to strengthen the State's academic, economic, scientific, and cultural ties with India and assist all citizens, universities, companies, and public and private institutions in relations with the Indian government, people, and business community.
"§ 143B‑472.133.  Funding.
It is intended that the India Center will be funded by the State, by the "host" for the Center, such as a public or private university, and from corporate sponsors who support its mission.
"§ 143B‑472.134.  Envisioned role for India Center.
It is envisioned that the role of the India Center will include:
(1)	Conducting an annual "North Carolina & India: Trade & Investment Conference," for examining the current dimensions of US‑India and NC‑India economic relations.
(2)	Hosting visiting Indian business delegations interested in learning about investment and development opportunities in our State.
(3)	Conducting briefings on customs, business etiquette, and communications issues and recommend resources for North Carolina executives entering the Indian market and for Indian executives entering the North Carolina market.
(4)	Giving briefings on Indian business and management practices for North Carolinians employed by Indian‑owned firms in the State or hosting Indian visitors.
(5)	Promoting mutual respect and cooperation and cultural exchange between India and North Carolina and to advise on any social adjustment issues for new Indian citizens in North Carolina.
(6)	Providing speakers at various public venues and articles for newsletters to inform North Carolinians about opportunities for business partnerships with Indian enterprises and to encourage Indians to consider entering the North Carolina market."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.