India is good BPO hub, but competition fast catching up: UK

Hyderabad, Sep 26 (UNI) With its skilled manpower, India had good potential for outsourcing but its competitor China was fast catching up, especially in English language proficiency, a UK diplomat today said.

Addressing a press conference after meeting Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry(FAPCCI) representatives here, First Secretary, Economic and Trade Policy, British High Commission, Mr Daniel Shepherd said though Indians had good language skills, countries like the Middle Kingdom were fast catching up by taking effective language training.

The British High Commission supported economic projects and initiatives under Global Opportunities Funds' Economic Governnace Programme of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, he said.

Stating Andhra Pradsesh was progressing well in all fields, especially in Information Technology, Mr Shepherd said the High Commission would help facilitate a UK visit of any trade delegation from the state to promote trade and business.

FAPCCI Vice-President Suraj Prasad Agarwal said the purpose of the British High Commission officials' visit was to explore the possibiity of engagements in the state and understand the industry perception on various econmic issues and factors affecting business.

Mr Agarwal said the country had highly developed and skilled manpower and the capacity to take up the projects at a fraction of the cost of other developed countries like the UK and the US.

He requested Mr Shepherd to organise a business delegation visit to Hyderabad for which the FAPCCI would extend the required assistance.

Andhra Pradesh was marching rapidly on an ambitious path of progress and development with a combination of high quality infrastructure, excellent human resources and business friendly polices.

The state government was offering several incentives to investors with a view to attracting investments and stimulating industrial growtg and development, he added.

UNI BR GM 1718