North East companies in the process chemical industry, pharmaceutical sectors and associated supply chain headed to India on a NEPIC and Department for International Trade (DIT) led trade mission.
The annual eight-day mission, which is now in its10th year, hosted representatives from Biochemica, CPI, Digipolis, HGF, Jacobs, Lambson Ltd, Materalia, Materials Innovation Factory, Micropore Technologies, Northumbria University, QuantuMDX, SafeGuard World International, Surfachem Group and The TTE Technical Training.
The visit included a business seminar and company meetings in Bangalore with member companies of the Karnataka Drug & Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, a visit to TATA Innovation Centre Pune, and attendance at the Indian Chemical Council 10th Annual Outlook Conference in Mumbai.
Taking place between February 7 and 15, the event gave attending companies an opportunity to make business contacts and discover support between the UK and overseas.
Each region has been specifically targeted by organisers NEPIC & DIT – who have developed special relationships in India over many years – offering focused and non-speculative business meetings with top decision makers in industry.
Sandra Rountree of Billingham-based Biochemica UK commented on the company’s first visit to the area:
“From start to finish Biochemica were supported by NEPIC and DIT from filling in visa applications, to introducing me to key decision makers within the Indian Chemical Industry. Every aspect of the trip was extremely well organised and we, as delegates, didn’t wanted for anything. The best use of our time was made on each day and the opportunity to visit this exceptional country has been amazing.”
Wilton-based Micropore Technologies CEO, Dai Hayward reported that “NEPIC’s organisational skills were invaluable”, however, it was the firm’s connections that shone through:
“It was their (NEPIC’s) strong relationship with Indian Chemical Council that proved to be really useful. A meeting with the CEO of one particular major international company would not have been possible without the help of The Secretary of the ICC, facilitated by NEPIC.”
Stephen Muir of DIT North East said:
“India’s economy is one of the fastest expanding in the world and is currently the 5th largest chemicals producer in the world and 4th largest global producer of Agriproducts. The pharmaceutical sector is estimated to grow to £27 billion by 2020 and with its large population and huge domestic demand it is a critical market.
NEPIC Chief Executive, Dr. Stan Higgins, added:
“During our trip, several of the Indian companies met with committed to visit our region in June – a trip that will include attendance at our Annual Conference & Exhibition, Meet the Members, in June. Arrangements are still being made but once in place will be widely communicated to the membership.
If your business is interested exploring India’s potential and would like to take part next year’s trade mission, please contact John Brady via john.brady@nepic.co.uk