London Mayor slams moves to stop outsourcing in developed countries

New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) London Mayor Kenneth Livingston, on a week-long tour as part of the 'London and India: Partners in Globalisation' initiative, today said he was against setting up of 'barriers' by developed economies to protect jobs.

Slamming the move by developed nations to prevent 'outsourcing' and other such moves that could 'cut jobs' in their countries, Mr Livingston said barriers to protect jobs are bound to fail.

''The future of such nations and all developed economies lies in engaging new economic giants, like India and China.'' With tie-ups in new fields and spheres, we wish to engage and grow with India, he said adding that ''we wish to share with India and grow.'' The Mayor of London was speaking at the signing-in ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring closer working relationships and boost tourism between New Delhi and London.

The partnership agreement to promote tourism between the two cities was signed this evening between Chief Executive of 'Visit London' James Bidwell and Chairman, Delhi Tourism, Dr Sanath Kaul at the historic Rajiv Chowk central park amidst the backdrop of a 42-foot high 'Big Ben'.

Mr Livingston also said that the agreements signed today would help exchange information that would help London and New Delhi in hosting the 2012 Olympics and 2010 Commonwealth Games, respectively, in a better manner.

''We wish to coordinate in order to make the games successful which would leave behind a legacy for the future.'' Despite of not a wholly proud past, historically, both the cities will join hands to make a proud future as partners of globalisation, he said, adding, ''My effort would be to see more and more Londoners come to Delhi to enjoy, for studies and economic ties.

''With its growing importance I am sure not just me but all future Mayors of London would be visiting Delhi now onwards.'' UNI