Ten United Kingdom-based Indian businessmen are participating in the 'Vibrant Gujarat' global investor's summit that will be held in Ahmedabad from September 28 to 30.
Led by Subhash Thakrar of Blackstone Franks Ltd, the ten-member delegation from the London Chamber of Commerce includes Hasu Manek, Nat Puri, C B Patel, K C D Puri, Mahesh Patel, Madhukar Shah, Manoj Ladwa, Vijay Thakkar and Deepak Premnarayen.
Delegates arrived in Ahmedabad on the first-ever direct flight between London and Ahmedabad. Their visit, supported by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, is aimed at strengthening trade links between India and the UK.
It coincides with the nine-day Navratri festival that is being used by Chief Minister Narendra Modi to rebuild the image of the state tarnished by last year's riots.
Other business delegations from the United States, South Africa and Europe will be invited to inspect over 150 investment projects -- from infrastructure development to information technology -- that the Gujarat government wishes to showcase.
The UK delegation leader Thakrar said he was confident that 'Vibrant Gujarat' would make a unique combination for businesses to exchange and interact.
"During this mission the delegates will be given a chance to get a better understanding of business and investment opportunities in Gujarat," he said.
"So far, we have been encouraged by the new thinking and approach of Chief Minister Narendra Modi. His tenacity and vision have inspired us to participate in this trade summit," he said.
Manoj Ladwa, FICCI's UK representative and solicitor, described the 'Vibrant Gujarat' global investor's summit as a special opportunity for Britain and India to strengthen business relations.
"I believe this is the beginning of a prosperous and fruitful relationship between the two nations, which are being hailed as the largest centres of investment opportunity," he stated.