UK investors eye joint ventures in Gujarat

The report seeks to educate and galvanise UK companies into new Indian horizon.

The report has highlighted two major cities in Gujarat – Ahmedabad and Vadodara. On the basis of the report,the UK delegation will be visiting both the cities with the officials of 16 companies for business opportunities and joint ventures.

“We are focusing on the specific sectors including solar,biofuels,pharma,healthcare,automotive,aerospace,R&D and advanced engineering,” said Vicki Treadell,British Deputy High Commissioner,Western India.

The UK is looking towards companies from Gujarat to invest in the UK. Treadell added: “Our target is to make six companies from Gujarat invest in the UK by the end of the year.”

The UKIBC has identified tier II and tier III cities on the basis of education,infrastructure and other criteria.

The UKIBC report has shortlisted Vadodara on the basis of strengths such as rich cultural heritage,chemical industries and a strong educational base.

The report further states that Vadodara has almost 40,000 resident doctors,many of whom studied in the UK and have now returned to set up private practice. Vadodara is also the choice because of its planned SEZs.

Ahmedabad has been chosen on the basis of the education in Management and Design with institutes such as Indian Institute of Management,Ahmedabad,and National Institute of Design.

Besides,Ahmedabad entrepenuers are forthcoming on foreign collaboration for innovative products,says the report. It also cites that the trend towards rapid urban and infrastructure development and industrialisation that could be tapped here.