New Delhi, Mar 28 (IANS): The Centre should set up a task force to coordinate with the industry groups regarding resources, essential goods and services and technical capabilities that they can provide for responding to COVID-19, a US-India Business Council (USIBC) has recommended.

In a letter to the Prime Minister's Office on March 24, the USIBC offered support and recommendations to the government to respond to immediate and health and safety needs.

As per the letter, the near-term priority recommendations included setting up a task force within the Ministry of Commerce, Invest India, or elsewhere in the government to coordinate with industry groups regarding the resources, essential goods and services and technical capabilities needed at the moment.

"Focus on immediate and rapid-response requirements to ease of doing business and ensure the viability of important supply chains," the letter said.

"Develop Centre guidelines for essential services, industries, and activities, with a focus on critical infrastructure, health, safety and business continuity for economic sectors of national and international importance."

The US-India Business Council was established in 1975 to serve as a conduit between industry and government with the goal of strengthening US-India trade relations.