Permanent Under Secretary and Head of the British Diplomatic Service Mr Simon Fraser opened a new British Deputy High Commission in the state capital here today.
Mr Fraser, who visited the city with the British High Commissioner to India, Mr James Bevan, called on Andhra
Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimhan and the Chief Minister N Kirankumar Reddy.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Fraser said “British diplomacy is engaged in a significant shift towards the powers of Asia, with India as a centerpiece.”
A new office in Hyderabad was a top priority, he said, adding Partnership with Andhra Pradesh offered immense
opportunity to expand trade and investment between the UK and this important part of India.
British companies such as HSBC, 3i, Cairn Energy and BP have already invested here, while companies like Dr Reddy’s, Infotech, IVRCL and IMI Mobile have invested in the UK.
The Deputy High Commission will seek to boost this mutual economic development.
Mr Bevan said “the UK and India are building a stronger, wider, deeper partnership and the new team in Hyderabad will identify and develop opportunities for close co-operation across the board, including in areas such as English language training, higher education, innovative health-care, low-carbon technologies,scientific and research collaboration and people-to-people contacts.”
“These all areas are important for the economic well-being and development of both our countries,” he added.
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