British Deputy High Commissioner visits Sri City
Hyderabad: British Deputy High Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Gareth Wynn Owen, visited Sri City here on Tuesday.
Impressed with its world-class infrastructure, and business friendly ambience, Owen said, "So pleased to visit for the first time the fantastic Sri City. The growth in just 15 years is so amazing, and I am pleased that British Companies have been part of the journey. I look forward to revisit the place.” He expressed confidence that more and more UK companies will set up their operations in Sri City soon.
Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, Founder Managing Director highlighted the infrastructure, unique features, sustainability, green initiatives, etc., and the brisk pace of development in Sri City. He drew their attention on the available investment options in different sectors, financial incentives from the state and central governments, and specific advantage of locating production units in Sri City.
Ravindra Sannareddy said, "India and the United Kingdom share a modern partnership bound by strong historical ties. For UK India is a ‘priority market’, and it stands as 6th largest investor in India, accounting for around 5.3% of all foreign direct investments. Sri City, being the home for eight renowned British companies in diverse sectors, remains at the top of mind recall of investors from UK.”
“We feel honoured for the attention paid by Mr. Owen in knowing more about Sri City. His observations, which are very encouraging, would certainly pave way for more business investments here from UK,” he added.
Varun Mali, Dy. Head of Mission & Head of Trade & Investment, who accompanied the Deputy High Commissioner said,“Our relationship with Sri City continues to grow, and we plan to work together in sectors like Technology, Healthcare and Life sciences, and most importantly on the sustainability initiatives, contributing to the ‘net zero’ agenda,” Mr. Varun Mali said.
In Sri City, as of now, there are 8 companies from UK, viz., Bergen Pipes, IMI-CCI, RN Photo Coatings, Healthium Medtech, MSR Garments, Rotolok Valves, Gentek and MMD. The purpose of the visit was to see the business city in person and have the first hand knowledge of the progress achieved. During the interaction, the Deputy High Commissioner evinced keen interest and inquired on different aspects of Sri City.
Following the briefing session, he went round the industrial park and visited the production units of Bergen Pipe, MMD, Rotolok, MSR Garments, and Cadbury. At Bergen pipe unit he inaugurated the 350 KVA rooftop solar power plant. This installation will help ‘Bergen Pipe Supports’ to generate over 4.8 lakh units of electricity per year by harnessing solar energy to meet the factory’s electricity needs. Also, he visited the Krea University and interacted with the faculty and students. There was a get together with the Chief Executive Officers of all the Sri City based British industrial units, in which they all interacted with the Deputy High Commissioner and shared their views on the specific advantages of setting up the businesses in Sri City.