India has invited British investments into sectors such as infrastructure and food processing.

There is a huge demand for infrastructure in the country and the sector is expected to absorb about USD 1.7 trillion over the next decade, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said while speaking at an interactive Britain- India economic discussion in New Delhi yesterday.

“British companies have established expertise in building world-class infrastructure and we will look forward to greater partnership, greater collaboration and assistance in this endeavour,” the minister said.

Sharma said food processing is another important area where British businessmen can invest.

He also said as the country’s economy is growing at a faster pace, a whopping 500 million workforce is likely to be added in the next decade.

“The imperative of training them and making them equipped is an area where partnership with Britain will be mutually rewarding,” Sharma added.

The minister said British companies should establish manufacturing bases here to help increase the share of manufacturing sector in the country’s economy to 25 percent from the current 17 percent.

 Sharma further said both the sides should collaborate in research and institutional partnerships to develop low carbon emission technologies.

 Later, at Invest India, a joint venture of the industry ministry, states and industry chamber Ficci, and British Trade and Investment has signed an MoU to promote investment in both the countries.

 The objective of the MoU is to facilitate FDI, including by providing practical investment information to enterprises.