West Midland firms Delcam and Birmingham Airport are among 50 companies travelling to India for a trade delegation.
Business Secretary Vince Cable is joining the company on the visit to India, one of the world’s most dynamic economies, to strengthen the enhanced partnership between the two countries and co-chair trade talks.
The visit follows on from the mission led by Prime Minister David Cameron in July last year. Dr Cable, who was part of that trade mission, will be the first UK Cabinet Minister to visit this year.
Mr Cable said: “Last year, we set out a broad framework for our enhanced partnership. In 2011, we are moving beyond that, rolling up our sleeves and working together.
“India is very important to the UK, and the UK has the expertise to develop the capacities it needs to fuel its growth. Our business relationship is already strong, but it could be stronger.
“India is focused on its drivers for growth and development such as infrastructure, education and skills. That’s why I am taking a trade mission with me and talking to British businesses in India that can help to meet that demand.
“I am also passionate about encouraging more British firms of all sizes to look to India as a place of real business opportunity, and more small Indian companies to look to the UK as their European destination of choice.
“This visit will significantly strengthen our enhanced partnership for the benefit of British and Indian companies, for the benefit of our economies, and for the benefit of both our peoples.”
Birmingham Airport’s chief executive Paul Kehoe, said: “Birmingham Airport is a Strategic National Asset, with capacity to handle another nine million passengers tomorrow. Being part of this trade visit will help realise the Airport’s potential and is important to re-instate air links between Birmingham and the Indian subcontinent.
“There is enormous demand from the region for a direct service to India from the Midlands. With 350,000 people of Indian origin living within one hour of the Airport, there is undoubted potential here at Birmingham.”
Peter Dickin, marketing manager of Software firm Delcam, said: “India is an important and growing market for our manufacturing software. We are delighted to be able to support this high-profile mission to India, which will add to our high reputation in the country.”
The UK’s bilateral trade with India is currently worth around £11.5bn. Exports have continued to grow since the July visit with latest figures showing a rise of 35 per cent in UK exports to India in the year to October.
