Vince Cable is in India on a week-long visit to dispel myths that the UK is not welcoming to Indian students, promote Britain in Asia and announces new job creation.
In a speech to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Delhi, business secretary Vince Cable highlighted the valuable contribution Indian students make by studying at UK universities.
Dr Cable said: “From Indira Gandhi to Olympic Park sculptor Anish Kapoor, UK universities have produced some of India’s most eminent and talented graduates and I want that legacy to continue. With no limits on overseas student numbers and scholarships like the GREAT awards, the doors are open to Indian students to benefit from our world-class universities.
“This is not a short-term offer. There is huge demand from UK employers for the high level skills Indian graduates can offer, and students that gain graduate-level employment can stay here after completing their studies.”
He will also announce a total £33m investment in projects that will bolster the UK’s manufacturing relationship with India. These include: Indian company Amtek Auto investing in a new foundry in Kidderminster to meet the growing need for automotive parts from Jaguar Land Rover and Ford, and grow their manufacturing presence beyond existing UK facilities in Coventry and Essex. The initial investment of £23m will lead to 500 new jobs by 2018.
British dental company, Prima Dental, is investing £10m in India to establish a sales and distribution arm in the north of the country. Prima Asia will supply burs to the dental profession across India and the subcontinent. And UK technology company, Blippar, is launching India Blippar. Blippar is a producer of augmented reality software, enabling consumers to bring to life images and products via smartphones and wearables and are opening their first Asia office in Delhi.
