Tuesday, September 19 2006 11:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: As part of the growing economic links between India and Britain, a partnership between small firms in India and the West Midlands region has been launched at the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at Warwick University.

The partnership was launched by Anupam Dasgupta, secretary in India's ministry of small-scale industries, during his recent visit to WMG. He has so far visited WMG twice to discuss the project, and has also visited small firms that have benefited by working with the manufacturing group.

Jay Bal, WMG project leader, told the local media in Coventry:,"The Indians are very interested in the on-line systems and services we have created to assist small firms in supporting their collaboration and in finding new markets."

"India is a very large country and new technology has huge potential in enabling small firms to collaborate to win orders.

"India is also a huge potential market for British small firms and effective partnerships and collaborations between West Midlands and Indian firms can offer great opportunities for both sides. This is a win-win opportunity."

The partnership will forge links between West Midlands and Indian small firms and foster technology transfer, the exchange of mentors in specific industrial fields, help running exhibitions and industrial fairs, and on how to host events and seminars.