1. With an aim to strengthen ties with the local Indian Community in Albany, New York, the Consulate organized an outreach program for the Indian community on consular, economic, cultural, banking and tourism matters at Albany in New York on April 15-16, 2016. Representatives of Andhra Bank, Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank, Canara Bank, State Bank of India, Air India, India Tourism, Make My Trip and Cox and Kings participated in the event.

2. The delegation met with representatives from the Capital Region Chambers of Commerce. Discussion with them was around their 'India focus event' on May 13th, for which the Consulatewould send a speaker, and a workshop for exporters and importers from the region on improved trade potential of the New York city. The Consulatewould be participating in that event as well. There was also a proposal from them to take a trade delegation to India and the Consulate would work with the stakeholders in New York to make this a successful project.

3. A visa camp and the community event were organized by the main Indian association in Albany - Tricity India Association on April 16th at the Hindu Cultural Center - 450 Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211. More than 200 people participated in the visa camp where applications for Indian visa, OCI cards and Renunciation certificates were received. Questions and queries of over 100 applicants were resolved. After the visa camp, there was a reception and presentations by the Indian banks, Air India and India Tourism. Assemblyman from the area Mr. Phil Steck was present throughout the presentations. During the interactive sessions there were more questions about the banking services than consular, passport and visa services.

4. The community worked very closely together to put a very successful outreachprogramme. We would organize similar programmes at least once a month as this particular initiative of CGI, New York is greatly appreciated by the community, particularly, by those who live outside the New York city area.