Examples of Indian Investments

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson and Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma are held trade talks in London that will look at deepening ties between the UK and one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:

“India is not only a global economic power, it is also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. I am delighted to welcome Minister Sharma here, and anticipated fruitful talks.

“India’s confidence, energy and innovation, allied to the UK’s world-class knowledge economy, can transform life for millions in both our countries and around the world. We can work together in the high technology sectors that will facilitate low carbon growth and bring long-term prosperity.”

The Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO) talks come amidst a period of intense activity between the UK and Indian Governments.

Indian Road Transport and Highways Minister Kamal Nath was in London, shortly after a visit by Human Resources Minister Kapil Sibal in January. Lord Mandelson visited India in December, following a visit by Trade, Investment and Small Business Minister Lord Davies.

The UK’s bilateral trade with India is worth £12.6bn. The UK is the biggest European investor in India and India last year overtook Japan to become the biggest Asian investor in the UK by number of projects. Over 600 Indian firms are represented in the UK, of which about two thirds are in information technology or software. Last year alone, almost 4,000 new jobs were created in the UK by Indian investment.

The UK is participating in Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi with the largest ever delegation comprising of representatives from over 40 companies ranging from engineering design and precision engineering to academia and trade associations.

The UK stand will showcase the world's first hydrogen fuel cell motorbike, which is fuelled by pure hydrogen.

Sir Andrew Cahn, CEO, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the British High Commissioner to India, Sir Richard Stagg will visit the UK stand.

"The Indian automotive industry is demonstrating impressive growth and technological capability, which creates great opportunities for collaboration between India and the UK. I am confident that AutoExpo 2010 will provide the perfect platform to discuss new projects and partnerships."

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is urging UK firms to take a fresh look at India, the leadership role of India, one of the world’s fastest growing economies, will be vital in the G20 and other international forums in the coming decades.

During his visit to India, he launched a UK lecture series at one of India’s most prestigious universities, the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) in Bangalore, which celebrates its centenary this year.

"As the first decade of the new millennium draws to a close, decision-making has shifted East. I am here to discuss how the UK and India can enhance and develop their natural partnership over the decades to come."

Trade, Investment and Business Minister Lord Davies of Abersoch is urging UK firms to take a fresh look at India, a market with a middle class that is 300 million strong and that produces half a million technology graduates every year.

With its network throughout the UK’s regions and 90 staff on the ground in India alone, UKTI (www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk) can offer advice to UK businesses that want to investigate this market. It can help UK firms to explore options and to find business partners, and can provide grants to help firms attend trade shows.

India is on the move and we must move with it, UK firms must rethink India.
Lord Davies of Abersoch, Trade, Investment and Business Minister