Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS June 5, 2026 U nited States Congressman Frank Pallone, D-NJ, visited BAPS Swaminarayan Man- dir in Edison, NJ May 26, 2026. He delivered a speech during his visit to a large congregation of devotees. “We were honored to welcome Rep.@FrankPallone(NJ-6) to the @ BAPSMandir in Edison, NJ. We are grateful for his visit to the mandir and continuing to support our com- munity and speaking up about issues affecting our community,” BAPS said in a post on X.com . By a StaffWriter Congressman Frank Pallone Visits BAPS Mandir In New Jersey PHOTOS:X.COM @BAPS_PUBAFFAIRS Congressman Frank Pallone with BAPS head priest May 26, 2026, during his visit to the Edison Mandir. Congressman Frank Pallone, D-NJ, addressing devotees at the BAPS Mandir in Edison, NJ, May 26, 2026. B usiness leaders, entrepreneurs, procurement officials and agency representatives gathered at the Metuchen Golf & Country Club for the “Small Business Breakfast – Buyers & Suppliers Connect,” hosted by the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the New Jersey Eco- nomic Development Authority. Held May 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the high-impact networking session con- nected small business owners directly with procurement officials and decision- makers from organizations including the NJ Business Action Center, NJ Transit, Port Authority of NewYork and New Jer- sey, the New Jersey Department of Labor, along with representatives from county procurement offices, state agencies and authorities. Organizers described the event as more than a networking discussion, calling it a direct pathway for small businesses seek- ing opportunities in public-sector con- tracting and supplier diversity programs. Attendees received guidance on up- coming contracting opportunities, pro- curement forecasts, vendor registration processes, bid portals and government resources designed to help businesses expand their reach and secure contracts with public agencies and institutions. Participants had the opportunity to interact directly with procurement officials, agency representatives and busi- ness leaders from across the state, gaining insights into strategic partnerships, certi- fication programs and supplier diversity initiatives that can help small businesses grow. Among the guest speakers was Ra- jlakshmi Kadam, who spoke about the upcoming India-USA Trade Facilitation Portal, a strategic initiative by the Consul- ate General of India, NewYork aimed at strengthening direct business linkages be- tween Indian exporters and U.S. import- ers across goods and services sectors. Representatives from the Consulate General of India expressed appreciation to the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to participate in the forum, noting that the event brought to- gether state and federal authorities along with businesses from diverse sectors to discuss opportunities and pathways for business growth and collaboration. Kadam encouraged attendees to reg- ister for the India-USA Trade Facilitation Portal, highlighting its role in strength- ening trade and business connectivity between India and the United States. She outlined several features of the platform, including support for SMEs in both goods and services sectors, promotion of trusted B2B partnerships, sourcing opportunities, virtual exhibitions and educational webi- nars designed to help businesses better understand international trade require- ments and opportunities. According to Kadam, the technology- driven platform aims to create a seam- less ecosystem to support trade growth, empower MSMEs and promote India’s One District One Product (ODOP) initia- tive while expanding business collabora- tion opportunities between India and the United States. The portal will also guide Indian exporters on quality control, packag- ing, standards and U.S. trade regulations through collaboration with representa- tives frommajor U.S. companies and or- ganizations, includingWalmart, Amazon, Costco and trade chambers. The India-USA Trade Facilitation Portal is scheduled to be inaugurated April 8, 2026, at the Consulate General of India, NewYork in the presence of India’s For- eign Secretary, the Ambassador of India to the United States, industry leaders and trade stakeholders. Attendees said one of the biggest takeaways from the breakfast was under- standing how government agencies and institutions can become instrumental partners in supporting the growth of small businesses through procurement access, supplier diversity initiatives and interna- tional trade opportunities. By a StaffWriter Asian Indian Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Small Business Networking Breakfast In New Jersey PHOTOS: ITV GOLD Rajlakshmi Kadam addresses attendees during the “Small Business Breakfast: Buyers & Suppliers Connect” at the Metuchen Golf & Country Club in Metuchen, where she highlighted the India-USA Trade Facilitation Portal and opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and business collaboration. Business owners, entrepreneurs, procurement officials, government representatives and community leaders attend the “Small Business Breakfast: Buyers & Suppliers Connect,” organized by the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority at the Metuchen Golf & Country Club in Metuchen. Panelists, county executives and members of the Board of Directors of the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce gather during the “Small Business Breakfast: Buyers & Suppliers Connect” held at the Metuchen Golf & Country Club in Metuchen.