UK business delegation to visit India this week

LONDON: A high-level UK business delegation headed by a senior British Cabinet Minister will visit India later this week to explore collaboration in the fields of environment, infrastructure, construction and water sectors.

Eric Pickles, MP and British Cabinet Minister for Communities and Local Government, will lead the UK business delegation to India from June 2 to 7, 2013.

The accompanying delegation will explore partnerships in the fields of environment, infrastructure, construction and water sectors.

Ahead of his visit, Pickles said:"It is a privilege to lead a British business delegation to India. India is one of the biggest emerging markets in the world and we can be India's partner of choice".

"We both agree success will hinge on our ability to put in place the right infrastructure and we are well placed to help India with their plans. The companies I will be introducing represent the best of British," he said.

"They not only have world class expertise in big construction projects and urban renewal, but they know how to bring economic growth to different parts of a country," he added.

In Kolkata, Pickles will meet state Finance Minister Dr Amit Mitra and Minister of Urban Development Firhad Hakim.

He will also address the inaugural session of the seminar on 'UK Built Environment Expertise'.

In Kochi, Pickles will meet the Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and senior representatives from the Kerala Government.

He will deliver a speech at a business seminar hosted by the Indian Green Building Congress (ICGBC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to encourage stronger Indo-UK partnership in the infrastructure sector.

Pickles will also attend events to support the low-carbon development pathway at municipal and local government level.