Bangalore: The State of Washington is keen to explore business ties with India, especially Karnataka in the field of hi-tech software products, food processing, retailing, biotech and aerospace, a top official of US trade delegation said.

The delegation which is on a two-day visit to the state, held discussions with Chief Minister S M Krishna and Large and Medium Scale Industries Minister, R V Deshpande on these areas, Secretary of State of Washington, Sam Reed told reporters in Bangalore on September 10.

Being the first US business delegation after the attack on World Trade Centre two years ago, "We wish to encourage small and medium size corporations in the US to look at India as a strategic destination", he said.

The delegation, which has visited Mumbai, will make a stop at New Delhi.

The delegation has been supported by Indo-American chamber of Commerce.

PTI