The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Textiles, Shri Anand Sharma in a bilateral meeting with Mr. William Hague, British Foreign Secretary in London today, invited British participation in at least one National Manufacturing and Investment Zone (NMIZ) as partner. British Foreign Secretary Mr. William Hague responded positively to it and asked his Office to examine the opportunities for NMIZ in the United Kingdom.

Shri Sharma also raised the issue of visa and stated that the bilateral trade and investment between the two nations is getting impacted by difficulties in obtaining visas. To this, Foreign Secretary Mr. Hague assured Shri Sharma to look into the issue early as the United Kingdom greatly appreciates the contribution of Indian professionals working in the country.

Mr. Hague also said that there will be British support for an early conclusion of the India-European Union Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement. Shri Sharma said that both the sides engaged intensively to find solutions on outstanding issues which are mutually beneficial and acceptable. He also mentioned that a Ministerial review of the negotiations was held on 26th June, 2012 at Brussels.