Meeting To Improve NI/India Relations

The Global India Business Meeting in Belfast this June will discuss how Northern Ireland can improve relations within Indian industry.

The Horasis Global India Business Meeting is hosted by Belfast City Council with the support of conference partner Invest Northern Ireland and will take place over three days in the city from 23-25 June.

Around 300 business delegates from India and Asia are expected to attend the conference, along with local businesses.

Among the speakers invited to attend the conference are Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce and Industry for the Government of India and Vince Cable, the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The conference will take place in various venues across the city including the City Hall, the Europa Hotel, Titanic Belfast and Queens University.

Among the themes to be explored are: how companies can effectively thrive in India; the power of global Diaspora; ‘nearshoring’ opportunities and how Europe can serve as a hub for Indian investments.

The 2013 Indian Business Leaders of the Year will also be announced at the conference.

Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council's Development Committee, said: "We are delighted this forum is taking place in Northern Ireland and in Belfast. India is one of the emerging global market opportunities – one of the few economies that is growing in the current climate," he said. "Belfast already has strong links with India through local companies doing business there and Indian companies also setting up operations here, and so the potential for further development is huge. It is vital that Belfast does everything in its power to capitalise upon the opportunities which the Indian market affords us and this event places us in the perfect position to do so."

Alastair Hamilton, Chief Executive of Invest Northern Ireland said: "This event will provide a unique opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to a highly influential audience of Indian business leaders. The ability to highlight Northern Ireland’s strengths across a range of sectors, while at the same time developing important relationships with key stakeholders, has the potential to have a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy by attracting future inward investment or through export partnerships."

(IT/MH)