Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, on Saturday 1st November 2014, hosted a meeting for local businesses and individuals with the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Dr Virander Paul.
More than 40 people attended the Reading meeting, during which the Deputy High Commissioner spoke about change in India following the outcome of India’s general election, the policies of the new Indian government to produce economic growth and improve transparency and accountability. During his speech, the Deputy High Commissioner spoke about the importance of India’s relationship with the UK in achieving all of these goals.
Dr Paul also answered questions from attendees about measures to boost bi-lateral trade and investment, such as obtaining Indian visas and helping Reading-based businesses build relations with Indian companies. The Deputy High Commissioner agreed to provide introductions for business people based in Reading to Indian companies, to help facilitate trade.
Alok also joined Dr Paul for a visit to the Reading Hindu Temple to attend a special Diwali programme, as part of the High Commission’s agenda to extend its engagement with the British Indian community. Dr Paul was the first senior member of the High Commission to ever visit the Reading Hindu Temple.
Alok Sharma said: “I was delighted to welcome Deputy High Commissioner Paul to Reading to meet local business people and individuals who were able to raise issues related to bi-lateral trade, consular matters and cultural exchanges between India and the UK. India is a huge market with fantastic prospects for future growth and I am therefore particularly pleased that the Deputy High Commissioner has agreed to introduce local businesses to senior officials to help facilitate trade and investment and also host business meetings at the High Commission in London.”
