Kamal Nath pitches for UK expertise

New Delhi, Nov 18 (UNI) Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath pitched for expertise and investment from United Kingdom, saying India provides excellent opportunities notwithstanding the ongoing global meltdown.

During his interaction with Mr Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Department of International Development, UK, here last evening, he said, ''We need to generate interests in large number of PPP projects being explored in India.'' In the meeting, which was attended by senior officials of the two nations, including Commerce Secretary Gopal K Pillai, the two leaders also discussed the global financial crisis and its impact on trade, an official statement said today.

Reiterating India's commitment to a rule-based, transparent and fair global trade regime, Mr Kamal Nath urged developed countries to show flexibility, saying it will be one of the key factors in finalising Doha round of discussion at the World Trade Organisation.

''There is a need for a clear balance between market opening and development needs of the majority of the WTO membership,'' he said.

Identifying potential area for growth in trade and investment as agri-business, healthcare, infrastructure, high-technology, legal services, accountancy services and financial services, Mr Kamal Nath said Indian healthcare industry is keen for tie-ups with the UK health insurance industry for offering healthcare facilities in India.

The cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UK to India since 1991 has been over five billion dollars, while bilateral trade between the two nations in 2007-08 was 12 billion dollars(India's exports seven billion dollars and imports five billion dollars), the statement added.

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