UK Companies keen on doing business in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR: A high-power six-member business delegation from United Kingdom on Monday expressed its keen interest to explore and develop trade ties with the mineral rich Orissa. The delegation is currently on a two-day tour to the state.

The delegation – headed by British deputy high commissioner Sanjay Wadvani, met industry leaders and senior officials of the state government on the sidelines of a seminar organised here by the Confederation of Indian Industry and discussed possible areas of business opportunities.

Speaking to reporters, the British deputy high commissioner Mr Wadvani said mining, advanced engineering, infrastructure, education and low-carbon solutions were the areas where UK companies would be keen to do business in Orissa.

“Mining is the key strength of UK industry, especially coal mining. The UK has huge strengths in all parts of the coal value chain: prospecting, exploration, mine planning and designing, geological assessment of coal deposits, rock mechanics, underground and open cast coal mining equipment and coal washing, which is increasingly becoming important for environmental reasons,” Mr Wadvani said.

He asserted that cleaner coal technologies were one area where the UK had leveraged the opportunities in eastern region to introduce a number of UK companies to the region.

Stating that UK can partner with Orissa in sustainable construction, regeneration, transport infrastructure such as road, rail, ports and airports and water, waste water infrastructure and environment, the deputy high commissioner said this would precipitate “iconic” development.

Mr Wadvani also emphasized on cooperation in the field of first-rate education, research and science.

Industry secretary Sourabh Garg, Paradip Port Trust chairman K. Raghuramiah were among the dignitaries present in the seminar.