The delegation who was here last night would visit Jalandhar and Amritsar to explore trade potential in Punjab. Speaking at the session discussing “East Midland (UK) relations with India” organised jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Punjab Link Council (UK), Helen Deas highlighted, “India being on the top of UK’s business strategy, exports between India and UK have grown tremendously during the last few years. Although certain sectors are affected amid financial crisis but overall trade balance has been in our favour”.

Reiterating the sentiment that Punjab was a natural partner for the East Midlands’ region, Helen stated that the key theme of the delegation was “growth through delivery of shared visions between the Punjab and East Midlands region of England that matches Punjab in agri-business, engineering, education, textiles and research.” The region is keen to develop partnerships and share its diverse advanced technologies in space, transport - from rail to motor racing - , waste treatment, bio and life sciences and technical textiles, she added.

Showcasing the strengths of East Midland, Helen further said the region was also host to high-quality services, as wide ranging as quality assurance, innovative design education, ICT, skill assessment, and freight support services. Introducing the delegation, Helen said that UK’s most prestigious luxury brand in table and giftware, Royal Crown Derby, was part of this mission.

Baljit Singh, CEO, Punjab Link Council, UK, while outlining the plan of their mission to India, said they had planned to meet personal business contacts and together develop a long-term, mutually beneficial business in Punjab. The session also discussed India’s participation in global multi-lateral institutions and Indo-UK cooperation in fostering higher education, combating terrorism, building infrastructure and reforming agriculture and augmenting productivity.

Discussing on the standards and conformity assessment, Resh Plaha, Director, Crystal Quality UK Limited, said,” High Standards and quality play an integral role in the marketplace and, ideally, facilitate trade.”

Urging the industry to interact frequently, Akshay Bector, Chairman, CII Ludhiana Zonal Council and Managing Director, Mrs Bector Food Specialists Pvt Ltd , hailed the partnership between the two countries.