I have to protect American jobs: Obama on outsourcing

Lalit K Jha
Washington, Nov 3 (PTI) US President Barack Obama
Wednesday indicated that he was unlikely to accommodate
India's concerns about his policy of discouraging outsourcing
of US jobs, saying it was his responsibility to support jobs
and opportunity for the American people.
Obama, who has recently spoken against outsourcing of
American jobs to countries like India and offered tax breaks
for those creating jobs in the US, was asked whether he would
address concerns in India where this is seen as a restrictive
policy.
"As President, I have a responsibility to support jobs
and opportunity for the American people, and I believe the
US-India economic relationship can and should be a 'win-win'
relationship for both of our countries," he told PTI.
He said his administration is "focused on America's
economic recovery, investing in America's future, creating and
keeping jobs in the United States, increasing our exports and
providing incentives and creating conditions under which
businesses can grow and prosper."
Making out a case for free access to American companies
in India, the President said, "our market is open to products,
services and investment from around the world. We believe
other countries, including India, should give US companies the
same access to their markets that we give."
He made no reference to any specific sectors but the
Americans have been pushing for greater access in financial
and retail sectors.
Obama said the US has realised that its economy "cannot
recover and grow" without growth in other places.
"India has world-class companies, many of which are
creating and supporting tens of thousands of jobs in the
United States, and my administration wishes to encourage more
such investment," he said. PTI