London Mayor Boris Johnson will lead a senior business delegation to India to promote the city and further enhance bilateral economic links.

The Mayor will arrive in New Delhi tomorrow and later visit Hyderabad and Mumbai.

The Mayor’s five-day visit to India is the first of a series of planned overseas visits seeking to build on the international exposure received by London during the successful Olympics Games early this year.

During the visit, he will meet major investors, top business leaders and senior politicians and explore the areas of mutual economic benefit including financial services, infrastructure, transport, higher education, sport, tourism, digital/hi tech and creative industries.

The Mayor will address business audiences at the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the Indian School of Business and Amity University.

In New Delhi, he will hand over the Olympic and Paralympic couldron petals to Indian sporting representatives, illustrating the spirit of international cordiality shown during London’s summer of sport.

During his visit to Hyderabad, Johnson will meet key ministers and visit information technology companies. He will also address the members of the Young Presidents’ Organisation and future business leaders at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

While in Mumbai, the Mayor will launch a new Carbon-based index at the Bombay Stock Exchange, which will be followed by a seminar ‘London: Gateway to the World’ at which he will deliver the keynote address.

He will also call on the Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and meet the senior representatives of business and industry across the sectors. He will also visit Magic Bus, a London-based Indian sports charity.

Looking forward to his visit, Johnson said: “2012 has been an extraordinary year for London with the very best of our city witnessed by billions across the world.

“I want to exploit that exposure to attract overseas investment into the capital, recognising that in an ever-more competitive world, London cannot be complacent.

“Export markets are increasingly important to our future prosperity and when choosing where to locate and invest in Europe, I want London to be the number one choice.”

“The staggering growth of India’s economy and its rapid urbanisation presents massive mutual opportunities. My message over the course of this trip is that ‘London loves India’ “listening hard to ensure we can further strengthen our ties with this great nation.”

Johnson will be joined by a delegation of top business leaders representing key sectors such as retail, financial services and construction.

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