UK compaines keen to invest in Bihar

At least half a dozen companies and institutions of the United Kingdom (UK) have shown keen interest in investing in Bihar. Public transport, Supply chain management and Technical and higher education have especially caught the eyes of these companies. The state government has also promised all possible help to these companies.

"I am impressed with the range of opportunities the state offers", said Sanjay Wadhwani, Deputy British High Commissioner to eastern India on Wednesday at a interaction session with the state government officials and British Entrepreneurs in Patna. "We have been in touch with a number of UK companies over the past few months highlighting developments in the state. We hope that many more will visit in the coming months." The areas of interest for UK companies present here include infrastructure, education and skill development and low carbon development. The deputy high commission added, "I feel that UK has the right mix of business expertise, skills and experience to work with local industry in various sectors. We have already engaged with local industry and state government in this respect."

In this interactive session, six UK companies and institutions have shown a keen interest in investing in Bihar including Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Cambridge English Language Assessment and The Supply Chain Foundation. Subrato Mitro of JLL said, "We already have a large network in India. Right now, we are working with various departments of 13 state governments, including the Tourism Department of Bihar. We are right now helping the department to develop the Buddhist Circuit in the state, which would connect Rajgir, Nalanda, Patna and Bodh Gaya. However, we would like to offer our project monitoring services to other departments too. We ensure timely completion of projects."

The Ultra Fairwood is keen in investing in the public transport in Patna. Its advisor Sanjay Varma said, "We are right now operating ultra personal rapid transport system at Heathrow Airport, London. We are also installing the personal transport system in Amritsar, Punjab and Trivandrum, Kerala. Now we want to offer the same system for Patna. It will be a big opportunity for us. We have already prepared a primary route map for the city." Meanwhile, The Supply Chain Foundation, a global network of supply chain professionals, has shown interest in providing training and qualification in backend operations. On the other hand, planetarium developer, Global Immersion has also shown interest in developing 2 new planetariums in the state.

The state government has promised them all possible help. "Today the state government offers a better environment for business. We are always available for your feedbacks. Bihar also offers a spectrum of incentives and tax rebates for new investors," said Shailesh Thakur, Director, Industries Department.