BOLTON businesses are being urged to join a North-west trade mission to India.

The business delegation will visit India in February next year to assess trade opportunities associated with the expanding Asia-Pacific region.

Business Bolton is inviting firms in the area to a networking event where experts will outline the commercial opportunities in the India market.

India is the world’s seventh largest country and an emerging economic superpower.

But when it comes to business, India remains unchartered territory for many companies in Bolton, even though it is the second largest export market in the developing world.

Hopefully this will change when the week long North-west trade mission departs for Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, on February 14.

On board the plane will be a number of business representatives from this area who will meet their Indian counterparts in a bid to forge new trading links.

The visit will begin in Mumbai and participating businesses will be able to get expert advice and help on accessing the best business opportunities in India.

The mission has been organised by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

Officials from Business Bolton, the council’s employment support arm, together with other local companies will lead the Greater Manchester delegates.

In a prelude to the trip, Business Bolton and UKTI are hosting an event on November 27 to urge Bolton businesses to explore the economic opportunities India offers.

Keith Davies, Bolton Council’s Director of Development and Regeneration, will be one of the speakers at the event.

Speaking about the visit, the Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “UKTI and Manchester’s inward investment agency, MIDAS, believe that Bolton should lead the Greater Manchester group because of strong existing Indian business links.

“India is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and it is an extremely dynamic and exciting market.

“Bolton is home to the largest Indian population in the North-west and we are also one of the region’s largest and fastest growing commercial centres. For these reasons, it’s a natural step for us to forge trading links with India.”

Sandra Brusby from UKTI added: “I’m delighted Bolton Council is taking such a proactive approach and encouraging businesses in their area to consider bilateral trade opportunities with India. This event is a fantastic opportunity for Bolton businesses.”

For more information about the event and the trade mission, contact Business Bolton on 01204 336222.

The networking event will be held at Lion of Vienna Suite, De Vere Whites Hotel, Bolton, on November 27, between 6pm and 8.30pm.