Solent: Hampshire County Council forges better business links with India

Hampshire County Council hosted a high-profile meeting on January 23 with the deputy high commissioner of India, Dr Virander Paul, and local business leaders representing the marine and business services sector, to promote business links with India.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the deputy high commissioner to discuss both trade and investment opportunities for India and Hampshire-based businesses and industry.

Paul also provided an overview of India’s trade and investment plans and the economic growth policies of the new Indian government. He briefed the official and business representatives about the new initiatives of Make in India, Smart Cities and Digital India and how the British investors could come forward to partner with India’s purposeful efforts.

He explained the opportunities offered by India’s plans for large-scale expansion of infrastructure, including through building new economic/industrial corridors covering large parts of India.

The meeting was facilitated by local businessman Amarjt Singh, partner at Dutton Gregory in Winchester and head of the India Business Group, who has played an active role in promoting business links between the UK and India at both local and national level, and in collaborating with Hampshire County Council’s economic development office.

Part of this work includes Invest in Hampshire, the inward investment service delivered by Hampshire County Council, which provides support to both businesses already located in Hampshire, and those considering relocating to the area.  Its services include site and property searches, support for accessing funding, and retention, attraction and development of talent.

Representing the County Council, councillor Mel Kendal, executive member for income and capital receipts at Hampshire County Council, said: “This has been an excellent opportunity to discuss the great business potential Hampshire has and how we can maximise this, as well as showcase the work the council does to support trade and investment in the region.”