The GE Chairman, Mr Jeffery R. Immelt, on Monday chose to diplomatically tread the middle path on politically sensitive issues of outsourcing and protectionism.

Even as he admitted to being a proponent of �globalisation�, Mr Immelt pointed out that he did not see any harm in American CEOs caring about long term health of the American market and American worker.

��I think you can do both,� he said.

Asked about his views on outsourcing and protectionism, the GE Chief asserted that the long-term focus in the US has to be one of competitiveness and driving the conditions in which jobs are created.

He went on to add: �Every Indian CEO cares about his own country and its workers. So I don't think there is anything wrong with American CEOs caring for their own country, it is a good thing,� he said.

He further stated that while GE had about 130,000-140,000 people working in the US (with acquisitions), it was probably bigger outside the US.