The Birmingham City Council in the UK has decided to set up an 'India Desk' to promote trade and cultural links with the South Asian country.
LONDON: The Birmingham City Council in the UK has decided to set up an 'India Desk' to promote trade and cultural links with the South Asian country.
'India Desk' is being set to attract investment from leading Indian companies, including the Tata Group, and promote cultural links between the two sides, Mike Whitby, Leader of the Birmingham City Council, said here on Sunday.
He said he would soon lead a high-level business delegation to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. "I am looking forward to go to India," he told.
During the trip, the delegation will hold talks with Singh, visit Jalandhar, Amritsar, Jallianwallah Bagh and the India-Pakistan Wagha border.
Describing Birmingham as a "global city with a local heart," Whitby said Bollywood playback singer Asha Bhosle's restaurant in the city "The Asha's" has become a landmark and doing roaring business.
He said Birmingham, which has the best symphony hall in the world, is also the gateway to Europe. "At present there is a direct flight between Amritsar and Birmingham City".
Birmingham has about 60,000 people of Indian origin, mostly with family links in Gujarat and Punjab. They account for six per cent of the city's total population.
According to Whitby, Indian students are amongst the highest number of overseas students studying at three universities in Birmingham. "Birmingham City University - teacher training, and Aston-Business School have particularly strong links," he said.
Birmingham schools are involved in British Council sponsored curriculum development projects with their Indian counterparts, he said.
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