A HIGH-PROFILE delegation from the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC ) will arrive in the region today to urge companies to explore business opportunities on the sub-continent.
The council is chaired by former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, who will visit the region along with chief executive Richard Heald.
The UKIBC is the premier business-led organisation supporting the Government in the promotion of trade, business and investment between the two countries.
Its aim is to increase trade between the UK and India through business to business dialogue and create and sustain an environment in which free trade and investment flourishes.
India is a key emerging market for North East businesses. Since the beginning of 2008 there has been almost a 40% increase in exports to Asia and Oceana from regional firms.
NECC export services manager, Brian Dakers, said: “The Indian market is one that has grown rapidly in recent years, but we could be doing so much more business in this part of the world.
“Hopefully this visit by the UK-India Business Council, which can help and support companies looking to explore this particular market, will help highlight the opportunities India presents and further boost the North East’s already impressive export credentials.”
The delegation will visit Port of Tyne in South Shields to see how the vast majority of exports leave the region by sea via our two major ports before attending a dinner with key NECC members at Durham County Cricket Club’s Emirates Durham Ground.
Richard Heald, CEO, UKIBC said: “Businesses in the North East are already leading the way in India. Gate 7 Ltd based in Gateshead specialises in safety and instructional signs for construction equipment manufacturers and are already exporting to JCB India.
“Fleet M8, based in Bolson Tyne and Wear, have formed a partnership with Indian company SLN Technologies to deploy a tracking device following trials on buses in Karnataka after completion of a successful pilot project in Mysore. You can do the same. For that you need to understand the opportunities and challenges in India.”
