We are interested in Indian software professionals: CBI

Kavitha Alexis

Bangalore, Jan 7: British investments in the bio-technology in India are expected to witness a substantial increase in the coming days, said Digby Jones director general of Confederation of British Industry (CBI). In an exclusive intwrview to The Financial Express on the sidelines of the CII Partnership Summit here on Monday, Mr Jones said the forthcoming joint CBI-CII summit in July in London would provide a further impetus to the Indo-British trade.

How would Tony Blair’s effort to build political bridges between
the two countries help in bringing business opportunities?
The British Prime Minister’s visit has given a boost to the trade realtionship between the two countries. India can expect substantial investments, especillay the rising areas like bio-technology and healthcare, in the coming years.

The number of joint ventures between the two countries in the defence sector and information technology could also go up. The visit of Mr Blair has given the neccessary stability and momentum for a fruitfull relation between the two countries.

What is the main thrust of the business delegation led by you to India?
We are looking for investment opportunities in all the major areas like IT, biotechnology, financial services, automotive components, capital equipments, transport infrastructure etc. At present, there are 250 Indian companies in Britain.

We are looking at more Indians to come and start business there and would be easing the entry regulations to attract more people.
We are particualrly interested in the Indian skilled proffessionals especially in software industry.