Patil's UK visit to showcase growing trade relations

H S Rao
London, Oct 23 (PTI) Britain Friday said Indian
President Pratibha Patil's upcoming visit to the UK, the first
by an Indian head of state in 19 years, will "showcase" the
growing business opportunities in India and will add to the
"visibility and profile" of bilateral relations.
"The visit will showcase business and investment
opportunities for UK in India particularly in the fields of
education, manufacturing and technological research," the
British Foreign and Commonwealth office said.
A spokesman said the three-day visit that begins from
October 27 will add to the "visibility and profile" of the
bilateral relations between the two countries.
"The bilateral India-UK trade turnover touched a record
12.6 billion pounds in 2008 and is expected to grow much
faster in the next few years," he said.
As a special gesture, Prince Charles will personally
escort President Patil from the Bentley Hotel in London to
Windsor Castle for the ceremonial welcome on Tuesday.
"For UK, India matters very very much. We are strategic
partners on a number of issues. India is a key member of
G-20," the spokesman said.
"India is critical for quite a number of UK interests
such as trade, investment, energy, climate change, reform of
global financial systems. This visit comes at a key moment,"
the spokesman said in an informal chat with newsmen. (MORE)
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