The Hindu Business Line : UK India Business Council opens Delhi office

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) announced its presence in India with the opening of its office in New Delhi on Monday. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) also plans to open office in the same location in the near future.

Speaking on the occasion, Sir Richard Stagg, British High Commissioner to India, said, “This is an exciting time to be doing business in India, the second fastest growing economy in the world. Business links between the UK and India are booming.

“The first half of 2008 has witnessed some big investments from the UK into India. And the UK has been the country of choice for overseas investments by Indian companies this year — accounting for $6 billion worth of deals. The opening of the CBI, UKIBC and the British Business Group (BBG) offices in Delhi will help to further enhance two-way trade and investment between our two countries”.

Mr Andrew Cahn, Chief Executive, UK Trade and Investment, said, “The UK and India have a flourishing commercial relationship and to support this my organisation, UKTI, has increased its resources in the last year to 90 staff in nine offices across India.

“The opening of the UKIBC office today and the commitment of the UKTI, CBI and UKIBC partnership sends a powerful signal that the UK business community sees India as a priority trading partner.”

Mr Richard Lambert, Director-General, CBI, said, “Delhi is an important and timely addition to the Confederation of British Industry existing international footprint. “Our presence in Delhi will allow us to step up our efforts in furthering Indo-British economic partnership. We believe there is tremendous potential for UK and Indian businesses to derive mutual benefit and growth, and we aim to play an enabling role in strengthening this relationship.”

Lord Bilimoria, Chairman, UK India Business Council, said, “It is our job to promote trade and investment between the UK and India in both directions. There are huge challenges, but huge opportunities in India and companies are constantly converting threats and risks into success. We are pleased to open our Indian office in Delhi which will contribute towards increasing the UK-India trade and investment.”

At the launch of UKIBC’s India office, Mr Sharon Bamford, Chief Executive, UKIBC, said that “Our Indian office will support and facilitate UK companies to set up and do business in India. This has been a significant first year for UKIBC and we are proud of our team and achievements in such a short space of time.”

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