Washington/New York, Jul 14 (IANS): Leading American businesses on the US East coast have greatly appreciated Indian state of Gujarat's business-friendly approach to economic development and are upbeat about investment opportunities in the state.

An outpouring of support from US business community came at two events in New York and Washington hosted by the US India Business Council (USIBC), the official 'Partner Organisation' to the Vibrant Gujarat 2013 Summit, to meet a high-level 17-member delegation of government officials and business leaders from the state.

Led by D.J. Pandian, Gujarat's principal secretary, energy & petrochemicals, the delegation's prime focus during the three day visit this week was to strengthen trade ties between the US and Gujarat in energy, finance, pharmaceuticals and education sector.

"Our companies are enthusiastic about the investment opportunities in Gujarat," said Diane Farrell, Senior Director and Executive Vice President of USIBC.

"The progressive, investor-friendly environment was made apparent by the delegation and we look forward to Vibrant Gujarat 2013," to be held in Gandhinagar January 11-13, he said.

The delegation met officials from the Centre for International Partnership Institute of International Education (IIE). High-level business meetings highlighting investment opportunities and bilateral trade partnerships in Gujarat were held across the energy and education sectors.

The visiting delegation also made presentations at a roundtable luncheon hosted by the USIBC and CII with over 120 companies represented.

At the USIBC's session on 'Opportunities to invest in Gujarat', Pandian emphasised Gujarat's commitment to robust growth and encouraging foreign investments from United States.

"We welcome American companies and business community to forge partnerships and collaborate across energy, research and development, education, rural development and urban infrastructure focus sectors and contribute to the peace, prosperity and economy of the people and the state," he said.

The delegation also held a special round table on LNG issues at the US Chamber of Commerce followed by an event in partnership with USIBC to brief the US industrialists on business opportunities in Gujarat. It also held fruitful meetings with the World Bank and International Finance Corporation.