Home / New report details Indian projects for investment
Project part-financed by the European Union
A new report which for the first time spells out full details of every major Indian transport project which British companies can invest in has been launched by Trade and Investment Minister Lord Digby Jones.
The Minister launched the report whilst in New Delhi, India, in front of some 100 Indian companies involved in the Indian transport construction sector including DS Group, Larsen and Toubro, Gammon India Ltd and Punj Lloyd. UK companies present included Bombardier, Arup and Benoy. The report not only identifies the projects but also the barriers and incentives to win contracts.
Lord Jones said: “This report shows incredible detail. It highlights that 116 airport x-ray baggage inspection systems are to be purchased by 2008 and that there are currently plans to upgrade 16 train stations from New Delhi to Lucknow.
“But more importantly it highlights the route for entry. For example, 100 per cent FDI is permissible for the development of all greenfield and brownfield airports and also that the entire road and highways network has been declared an industry allowed to commercially borrow.”
Some of the key findings of the UK Trade and Investment report show that:
Lord Jones added: “UK companies must often partner with Indian companies to win contracts. This is why I am launching this report at a seminar where both UK and Indian companies can talk about potential partnerships.
“The partnership between the UK and India is growing fast. Bombardier supplies 340 metro cars to the Delhi metro, Pinsent Mason supply legal services for Delhi airport and Beckett Rankine did the masterplan for the new port of Krishnapatnam, north of Chennai.
The Minister also used the opportunity to highlight British expertise in Public Private Partnerships which the Indian Government is interested in to help quickly build up the nation’s infrastructure.
“Delhi and Mumbai international airports became India’s first two PPP joint venture airports with estimated investment in both airports to be in excess of 1.9 billion pounds,” added Lord Jones.
“I was delighted that Mott Macdonald developed the masterplan for Delhi’s new international airport which will ultimately have a capacity to handle 100 million passengers every year.
“Over 70 countries have come to the UK seeking advice on PPP. For example, we have helped Singapore develop its PPP model, and it is now taking forward projects in education and sports infrastructure development.
“The UK is India’s natural partner of choice as the Indian people enjoy the reality of a step change in infrastructure investment.”
The executive summary is available to view below.
