Ratan Tata to advise UK on economic competitiveness

London, Mar 23 (UNI) Mr Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata group, will join luminaries like Mr Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, as part of a 12-member group, consisting the heads of the world's biggest companies to advise the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown on policies to improve the British economy's competitiveness.

The International Business Advisory Council (IBAC), which was launched on Monday, will meet once a year at 11 Downing Street, the chancellor's residence, for the next three years to give their views on how Britain can adjust to intensify global economic competition. The first meeting will take place some time later this year.

Britain is keen to sell its strengths in emerging economies, specifically India and China. Mr Brown's budget includes these countries in the UK's long-term economic plans.

The IBAC will also include Mr Li Ka-shing, chairman of Hutchinson, along with Mr Lord Browne, chief executive of BP, the oil company, and Mr Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH, the French luxury goods group.

Mr Brown has also recruited America's Mr Lee Scott, chief executive of Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer, which owns Asda; Ms Meg Whitman, chief executive of Ebay, and Mr Robert Rubin, chairman of Citigroup and a former US Treasury secretary under Bill Clinton.

Mr Brown said the panel would advise the country's policy-makers on how Britain should face the challenges posed by globalisation and exploit its strengths in skills, innovation and infrastructure.

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