'Huge' untapped business potential in NE : Wadvani

GUWAHATI: There is 'huge' untapped business potential in the Northeast for Indian and British companies, British Deputy High Commissioner to Eastern India Sanjay Wadvani said here today.

"I have been struck by good business opportunities, especially in sectors like infrastructure, education and training, oil and gas, power, low carbon development and healthcare", he said.

Wadvani was speaking at a seminar `UK and the North Eastern India in Partnership', on the occasion of a business outreach event by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

The event, billed as the biggest in the region and being held to give a filip to British business in the Northeast, would help British companies realise the growth and business potential, he said.

"The UKTI team, based at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata can help companies in the north east by identifying UK manufacturers and suppliers for their import requirements," Wadvani said.

The UKTI could also help connect with UK companies looking for partnerships and enabling technology transfer and joint ventures by facilitating interactions with visiting business delegations from the UK.

When asked about whether the situation in the Northeast due to insurgency would affect the business prospects, the British Deputy High Commissioner said he had discussed with the Assam government on public-private sector partnership.

Nine world-class British companies showcased their business profiles and expertise at the event and met entrepreneurs and business houses from the region to find opportunities for business-to-business collaboration and joint ventures.

They also gave tailor-made presentations on how their business expertise could be utilised for economic development of the region.