Untapped business potential in North-East

"There is 'huge' untapped business potential in the north east India for Indian and British companies," British deputy high commissioner to Eastern India, Sanjay Wadvani said in Guwahati today.

"I have been struck by the good business opportunities, especially in sectors like infrastructure, education and training, oil and gas, power, low carbon development and healthcare", he said.

Wadvani was speaking at a seminar `UK and the North Eastern India in Partnership', on the occasion of a business outreach event by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

The event, billed as the biggest in the region and being held to give a flip to British business in the north east, would help British companies realise the growth and business potential, he said.

"The UKTI team, based at the British deputy high commission in Kolkata can help companies in the north east by identifying UK manufacturers and suppliers for their import requirements," Wadvani said.

The UKTI could also help connect with UK companies looking for partnerships and enabling technologytransfer and joint ventures by facilitating interactions with visiting business delegations from the UK.

Later asked by journalists whether the situation in the north east due to insurgency would not affect the business prospects, the British deputy high commissioner said he had discussed with the Assam government on public-private sector partnership.

Nine world-class British companies showcased their business profiles and expertise at the event and met entrepreneurs and business houses from the region to find opportunities for business-to-business collaboration and joint ventures.

They also gave tailor-made presentations on how their business expertise could be utilised for economic development of the region.

The UK delegation included Arup — an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists and Eaga Energy India — established in the domains of geomatics, IT services, energy conservation and management.

CDE Asia — global leaders in the design and manufacture of customised equipment for quarrying, mining, recycling and waste management industries and Mace Consulting that provides portfolio of property and consultation-related services were also among the delegates.

Presentations were also made by Jones Lang LaSalle which provides infrastructure consulting services to public and private sector clients, leading telecommunications company Artevea Digital, Queen's University Belfast, Pearson Group and HSBC.