British delegation calls on Rodrigues

Chandigarh, Feb 5 (UNI) A high-level British delegation led by Minister of State Home Office, London, Mr Liam Byrne today called on Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gen (Retd) S F Rodrigues and discussed areas of mutual interest.

During the interaction, General Rodrigues strongly advocated the need for major initiatives to give a boost to collaboration in different areas of socio-economic and Human Resource Development and suggested the setting up of a Mission, with experts from both sides, to institutionalise a responsive mechanism to develop programmes and to harmonise business partnership endeavours.

''Our developmental strategies are directed towards achieving inclusive growth and there is major scope to further expand cooperation in a wide range of fields like health, education, information technology and agriculture with the focus on empowering our people which can be of immense mutual benefit to both sides,'' Gen Rodrigues said.

During the discussion, Mr Liam Byrne and other members of the delegation stressed the need for stepping up dialogue and interaction by setting up a facilitation centre in London with the necessary input and information in regard to opportunities of investment and trade available in the region.

They also suggested strengthening partnership in the field of education, for making common university level syllabi and educational curriculum to give a fillip to exchange programmes.

UNI PS RL HT1808