UK-India bilateral trade to grow by 24pc in 5 yrs

Kolkata, June 20: UK-India bilateral trade has been growing at the rate of 23 to 24 per cent, UK High Commissioner to India Michael Arther said here today.

Speaking to mediapersons, Mr Arther said,''We are hoping to maintain this high growth rate in the next five years. The bilateral trade between the two countries has touched US billion in 2006-07. Currently, about 500 Indian companies have invested in the United Kingdom." ''Financial services, healthcare, education, agro-processing and infrastructure are the main sectors, where both countries will collaborate,'' he said.

UK High Commissioner to India met state Commerce&Industry Minister Nirupam Sen.

''We have discussed about the ambition of the West Bengal government in terms of potraying Kolkata as a centre of financial services. We have also discussed the industrialisation plans of the government,'' Mr Aurther said.

He also emphasised on increasing educational tie-up with India.

''Around 23,000 students are studying in the UK currently compared to only 5,000 five years back. We must enhance our educational collaboration,'' he stated.

UNI