Bhubaneswar, Aug. 4: Special representative of global intergovernmental affairs of the US government Reta Jo Lewis today said the Obama government would soon launch special women empowerment programmes in Orissa.

“The Indo-US relationship goes a long way and today India is an indispensable partner of the US. We plan to build a programme with India, which will further encourage not only women empowerment, but also child education in the country, as women are the greatest asset of every country,” said Reta.

Reta, during this short tour to the city, visited a non-governmental organisation specialising on women empowerment. She explored the handloom and handicraft articles made by women of the participant groups.

Reta emphasised the importance of mutual benefits between India and US through women empowerment programmes.

This is Reta’s first trip to India and she will visit eight cities in her 10-day trip to the country.