New Delhi: July 8, 2003
Mr Mike O’Brien, MP, Minister of State for International Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs, announced the appointment of Mr Karan F Bilimoria as the new British Co-Chairman of the Indo-British Partnership. Mr Bilimoria, who succeeds David Jefferies in the role, is the Chief Executive of Cobra Beer Ltd.
The Indo-British Partnership was established in 1993 to raise awareness of the mutual trade and investment opportunities in the two countries; to offer support and advice to companies; and to try and remove obstacles to trade and investment. It was established to be a campaign involving the public and private sectors in both countries.
In his new role as British Co-Chairman of the Indo-British Partnership, Mr Bilimoria will work alongside his Indian counterpart, Mr Narayana Murthy of Infosys to further develop two- way trade and investment between the UK and India.
Commenting on the appointment, Mike O’Brien said: "The Indo-British Partnership plays a valuable role in furthering the trade and investment links between our two countries, and I am delighted to announce Karan Bilimoria’s appointment as co-Chair. Having known Karan personally for the past 12 months I am sure he will do an excellent job to take the IBP forward to even greater success. I would also like to pay tribute to the hard work put in by the David Jefferies, and Narayana Murthy, his Indian opposite number."
Mr Murthy, welcoming Mr Bilimoria’s appointment, said, "Knowing Karan as I do, I have no doubt he will be a great asset in enhancing the trade between our two countries. I am honoured to work with him as Co-chairman."
Cobra Beer has been exported to 30 countries worldwide and the company was awarded Business of the Year 2003 by the Asian Business Awards, which honours the contribution and extraordinary achievements of Asian businessmen and women. Other awards accredited to Mr. Bilimoria include the Asian of the Year Award 2002, Executives Association of Great Britain’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2002 and London Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2003.
Mr Bilimoria commented: "India and Britain have always had a very special, unique and close relationship. Trade between the two countries is now worth over 5 billion pounds. In the 10 years of its existence, the Indo-British Partnership has been a significant factor in helping to achieve this expansion in trade. Britain is the world’s first democracy and India is the world’s largest. The special relationship between these two great nations, combined with India’s enormous potential in the years to come, provides the Indo-British Partnership with an excellent opportunity to enhance bilateral trade, business and investment"
Trade Partners UK is the government organisation that provides support services for UK companies trading overseas. It brings together the work of teams in 200 British embassies overseas and government departments across Whitehall. In England, Trade Partners UK services are delivered through the 45 Business Links and other partners including Regional Development Agencies and Chambers of Commerce, coordinated by nine regional International Trade Directors. The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements for local delivery of services.
ABOUT COBRA BEER
Launched in April 2002, Cobra Beer is the largest selling bottled Indian beer in the UK. Cobra Beer is one of the fastest growing beer brands in the UK, with a current turnover of £55 million at retail value. It has been exported to over 30 countries worldwide, and has been awarded Gold for two successive years at the 2002 and 2001 Monde Selection, Brussels - World Selection of Quality. It was also listed on the 1999 Virgin Fast Track 100 list of the fastest growing, privately owned companies in the UK. Headquartered in London, UK, Cobra Beer has offices throughout the world, including India, South Africa, and the USA.
Cobra Beer is presently available in New Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Pune, Kolkatta and Hyderabad.
Press Release by: Solus Media, Hyderabad
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