10 Indian companies eyeing UK: British diplomat

Ten Indian companies are trying to set up base in the UK over the next one year, a British diplomat said in Kolkata on Monday.

"My team is working with 10 companies that are looking to set up shop in the UK," British Deputy High Commissioner (East) Simon Wilson said here today while interacting with members of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He, however, did not divulge the names of the Indian firms aiming to get listed at British bourses.

In the last two years, the bilateral trade has grown by 30 per cent, Wilson said.

He also said that a few delegations from UK would visit India.

"Next week, we have a delegation from the UK's water sector. Major companies like Mott McDonald and Halcrow will be here. There will be more delegations from construction and healthcare, Wilson said.

It was not known whether officials of consultants Mott McDonald which advised the West Bengal government on site selection for the proposed chemical hub would meet state officials.

Wilson iterated that English language skill benchmarking was essential for employment seekers in UK.

"It is essential but I don't know how it will be implemented," he said.