British cabinet minister to visit Kerala next week

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: British Cabinet Minister for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles will lead a business delegation to Kochi for two days from June 4.

According to a British High Commission release today, the delegation will explore partnerships in the built environment, infrastructure, construction and water sectors.

The team will explore UK's participation in Kerala's plans for improved urban development.

In Kochi, Pickles will meet Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and senior representatives from the Kerala government. He will also deliver a speech at a business seminar hosted by the Indian Green Building Congress and the Confederation of Indian Industry to encourage stronger Indo-UK partnership in the infrastructure sector, the release said.

He will attend events to support the low-carbon development pathway at municipal and local government level, it added.

Ahead of his visit to Kochi, 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."

He said, being an advocate of localism, he was delighted to visit Kerala, which is globally renowned as a pioneer in successful local self-government.