A PROPOSED trade mission from Bolton to Mumbai looks set go ahead next February, despite terror attacks in the city which have killed 143 people, with a further 300 injured.

Political and business leaders met in Bolton last night to discuss the trip, which they hope will lead to profitable trade links being forged between the North-west and the Asia-Pacific region.

Bolton Council has been asked to be the lead local authority, partly because of its strong and active Asian business community.

Council leader Cliff Morris said last night: “As far as I know, the trip is still on because it is not until next February, but obviously we will look at it again nearer the time.

“What has happened out there is a tragedy but if we cancelled it now, the terrorists would have won.”

A number of companies have already signed up to be part of the trade delegation which is due to arrive in Mumbai on February 14 for a week-long visit.

About 30 companies from the North-west, including several from Bolton, will be on the mission, alongside digital and creative businesses which are attending the Frames Exhibition in the city, which is aimed at emerging digital industries.

Keith Davies, Bolton Council’s director of development and regeneration, said: “We have to acknowledge what has happened in Mumbai. We didn’t know whether people would want to go ahead with the trip.

“But the overwhelming feeling and feedback from everyone has shown there is a real determination to carry on.”

Farooq Munshi, who has run Leather Connection in Halliwell Road for the past 20 years, said: “It’s a bit early to say what the effect of the Mumbai terror attacks will have.

“But business goes on and I am going to Mumbai in February either with the council trip or on my own.”

Ian and Emma Collings started their own security shutters company in Bolton 18 months ago.

“It is terrible what has happened but it won’t stop either me or my husband travelling to Mumbai next year,” said Mrs Collings.

As part of the trade mission, an Indian business delegation is expected to visit the North-west in June.