17 November 2016

UK businesses follow in Prime Minister's footsteps to explore trade links with India

More than two dozen companies from four countries are travelling to India on Monday (21st Nov) for a five day trade mission in the wake of the visits of Prime Minister, Theresa May and Deputy Mayor of Business for London, Rajesh Agrawal.

Led by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delegates include representatives from a whiskey distillery company, law firm, chartered accountants and Public Health England.

Companies will also represent the Federation of Northern Greece, Sicindustria, a branch of the leading business federation in Italy and the Public Institution Lithuanian Innovation Centre.

Some of the businesses will be visiting India for the first time, while others are looking to expand already existing links.

One firm, Kajane Chartered Accountants, based in Edgware, is a panel firm on the UK Advisory Network of the Department of Trade looking to reach out to Indian businesses looking to expand into Europe, with the specific objective of "selling the UK" as the best destination for establishing their base.

Meanwhile, media production firm, ArtTravel are seeking to do market research as well as look for collaboration, sponsorship and distribution channels. Their aim is to create short digital motion pictures on the subject of tourism and arts.

During the trip mission delegates will be introduced to key business contacts, distributors, agents, partners, buyers and sellers, and are briefed by government officials and business support organisations.

The mission will include pre-arranged business-to-business meetings in Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi (tbc) organised by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). As well as a networking reception and client hospitality with locally invited businesses in Mumbai, hosted by the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange).

Vijay Goel, mission leaders and chairman of the Asian Business Association (part of LCCI) said: "We hope that this trip can capitalise on the recent visits of Prime Minister May and strengthen trade links between Indian companies and those visiting from the UK and elsewhere in the EU.

"Whatever happens politically in the next few years the mission is about building business ties and understanding ways of working for the benefit of all."

ENDS

Media contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
2. Peter Bishop, deputy chief executive of LCCI, is available for further comment and interview.
3. The mission is part of the European, EAGLE project, which aims to enhance co-operation between European trade promotion organisations with the result that there will be an improved trade promotion service available to SMEs.