A DINNER to boost trade between Bolton and India attracted politicians, businessmen, investment agencies and diplomats.

The round table discussion on the trade and investment possibilities between the two and how it might impact on Bolton preceded a dinner hosted by the Mayor, Cllr John Byrne.

Bolton is home to the largest Indian population in the North West, prompting Business Bolton to invite local business people and other agencies to the event.

The Greater Manchester area has been the most successful region, outside of London, in attracting investment through MIDAS, a partnership between the 10 councils making up the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA.

Among those at the event were Gururaj Rao, Consul General of India, Anil Verma, minister for economics at the High Commission of India, and Dr Gunveena Chadha, representing the Confederation of Indian Industries.

Local business representatives included Kirit and Meena Pathak, from AB World Foods, Yakub Patel, of The Cohen Group, Adam Umarji, of General Traffic, Farooq Munshi, of Leather Connections, and Subhash and Geeta Kotecha, owners of the Spice Valley restaurants.

Keith Davies, director of development and regeneration for Bolton Council, said: “We feel there’s real scope for us here in Bolton as we have a well-established business community and we want to build on that.

“There’s never been a more important time to work with business leaders to understand what we can do to help.

“We want to make sure we can attract business investment from India into the region. We are also very aspirational for Bolton as we have one of the largest commercial sectors in the region.

“We have cross-party support to take this agenda forward and the Business Bolton department is the gateway for business in Bolton.”

Mr Davies added: “People might say why Bolton?

“We have a university and a knowledge centre, which is new, and we are aiming for a low-carbon economy.”

The Consul General of India, Gururaj Rao, said: “Emerging markets can trade with each other in a sustainable way and the North-west is the biggest regional economy and attracts the most inward investment outside of the South East and London.

“India has cultural, educational and tourism links with the UK and the full potential of these links is yet to be realised.

“The UK has technology that India wants and the North West has many of these industries, including digital expertise, life sciences, renewable energy and space technologies.”