30 July 2010 | Angeline Albert
UK prime minister David Cameron has urged buyers from India to purchase British goods and services as part of the country’s infrastructure development.
Speaking at the headquarters of IT firm Infosys in Bangalore, Cameron said: “India represents an enormous opportunity for British companies. Already our trade relationship is worth £11.5 billion a year. But I want us to go further. India plans to invest $500 billion (£320 billion) in infrastructure in the coming years. That is of course good for Indian business, but it is also a chance for British companies to generate growth. Your retail market is growing by 25 per cent annually, and there is no reason why British companies should not be part of that too.”
During Cameron’s visit an aircraft deal worth £500 million to BAE Systems and £200 million to Rolls-Royce was signed to supply 57 Hawk jets to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for use by the Indian air force and navy.
Cameron toured the HAL facility and welcomed the deal, which is expected to support more than 200 jobs in the UK.
