British Trade office to be upgraded in Pune

Pune, May 4 (UNI) New British Deputy High Commissioner in Mumbai Vicki Treadell today informed that the British Trade Office would be fully upgraded in the city by the year end, recognising that Pune is an emerging city in western region with growing businesses.

Talking to reporters during her first visit after taking over the office, Ms Treadell said she was keen to see enhanced trade,'' we are hopeful of establishing collaborations and investing in each other's technical economies, we are beginning to aggressively market UK and think that Pune IT, automotive industry can synergise with UK capability and be part of the global supply chain'', she said.

Without disclosing details, Ms Treadell said that three British automotive companies, were ready to open facilities here.''we are looking at research and development in academic institutions apart from IT, telecom, and doing business in automotive, healthcare, biotech and pharma sectors''. There are around 115 British companies with different business interests in the city, Ms Treadell said adding that UK could provide many solutions. ''There are no prejudices in the UK,'' she said.

Presently, there are 20 Indian companies registered at the London Stock Exchange which remains the best for raising finances. Around 36 per cent of investments in the UK of Indians were in IT, of which 12 per cent in financial services, 11 per cent in pharma and 8 per cent in automotive industry and others covered food and drinks, packaging and consumer goods.

Talking about visas, Ms Treadell said that there has been a 20 per cent rise in student visas this year as against last year and 10 per cent rise at the issuing office. ''we welcome genuine travellers, tourists, businessmen and appreciate honesty at the front end'', she said.

Ms Treadell is the first British woman to hold this office in India.

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