'India, UK SMEs can cooperate in manufacturing sector'

Indian and British small and medium enterprises can cooperate in manufacturing sector, especially in engineering, to strengthen the economic ties between the two nations.

There is a need for a mechanism to facilitate interaction between the SMEs in India and the UK, High Commissioner of India to the UK Nalin Surie said at the inauguration of the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) Annual Summit held in Manchester yesterday.

India, UK CEOs Forum Co-Chairman Peter Sands highlighted the eagerness of the British companies to collaborate with their Indian counterparts across identified sectors.

UK's investment in India is a reflection of our commitment and importance that we attach to relations with India, he added.

Industry chamber the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is heading a 25-member SME delegation with interest in diversified fields like home appliances, automotive components, consumer durables and electronic analytical instruments.

CII Deputy Director General Gurpal Singh said advanced engineering and manufacturing assumes immense importance for the business linkages between India and the UK, especially in the area of SMEs.