§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the opportunities for British companies to contribute to transport infrastructure projects in India; and what assistance her Department is providing to British companies who are involved in bids for such projects. [187130]
§ Mr. AlexanderThe modernisation of India's existing transport infrastructure is a major priority for the Government of India. The UK has particular interest in Airport and Port Modernisation and Privatisation. There have been two UK Trade and Investment supported missions to India over the last two years in the airports sector to assess and identify opportunities, and future missions for both the airports and ports sectors are being planned. There have also been two inward visits to the UK, by Indian officials, for each of the sectors within in the same period. There are many projects being planned or constructed across the country. UK companies are closely involved in these projects either in planning or construction. The UK Trade and Investment team is assisting several companies in their dealings with the Government both in bidding for tenders and managing the relationship where contracts have been won.