Companies on Indian trade mission

Many international businesses have set up operations in India

Companies from Northern Ireland are travelling to India next week in a bid to establish business links in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

NI Secretary Peter Hain will lead the delegation of 16 companies on a trade mission which will travel to New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

Representatives from NI's two universities will also go on the trip.

"We must make Northern Ireland into a place where Indian companies want to locate and expand," Mr Hain said.

Mr Hain made the announcement as the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Kamalesh Sharma, took part in a briefing at Stormont for the companies participating in next month's tour.

He said if the province was to achieve its economic transformation, it would have to identify and capitalise on opportunities in emerging economic superpowers in China and India.

"We must get out there and tell our story in the Indian marketplace, which is what this visit is all about," he said.

Peter Hain is to lead the trade delegation to India

The trade mission will also include Invest Northern Ireland chief executive Leslie Morrison and Lord Diljit Rana, president of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Honorary Consul for India.

During the visit, the delegation will also meet with senior politicians and representatives of business and academic institutions in each city.

Among the trade links which currently exist between the two countries are HCL Enterprises from New Delhi, which has invested over £16m and created 2,000 jobs in Northern Ireland.

Mr Hain confirmed he would also meet tour operators and Bollywood film producers during the trade mission.

"I am confident that a greater understanding of Northern Ireland's benefits in terms of highly educated people, competitive operating costs, excellent telecommunications and location within Europe will lead to a significant increase in investment projects from India," he said.

"Investors will also find a vibrant and long established Indian community that is now fully integrated in Northern Ireland society."