Helping firms make their mark in India

A HULL company has opened an office in India to help Humber firms reach untapped markets in the country.

Archomai, based in west Hull, described the Tamil Nadu region of Southern India, an area with its population of 66 million, as a region of huge unexploited potential.

The firm, which specialises in helping businesses take their products and services into new markets, is joining forces with the World Trade Centre (WTC) Hull and Humber to facilitate trade links between the two regions.

It has opened an office in Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai – formerly known as Madras – to help local firms realise opportunities in the country.

Rob Bell, chief executive officer of Archomai, said the region's rapidly growing economy was home to international companies in sectors which complemented activity in the Humber.

Mr Bell, who is also an advisor to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Logistics Group, said: "There are plans to grow the capacity of the ports in the region to an incredible 14m containers per year.

"Dubai Ports World already has a terminal in Chennai and the Port of Singapore Authority is opening one this year. Others will follow."

He said the state has the highest levels of enterprise in India and had strengths across a range of sectors.

Tony Howard, chair of WTC Hull and Humber, said there is great scope for mutual trade links between the two regions.

He said: "In these fragile economic times, companies should seriously think about extending their business activities outside the UK.

"There is a strong case for considering the world's emerging markets."

As part of the drive to form links with the region a delegation from the region will visit Chennai in February.

WTC Hull and Humber is also investigating the possibility of establishing funding through UK Trade and Investment for the project.

Next month it will host a discussion session with Archomai's India team and Mr B Sridhar, board member of CII Logistics Group.

Companies wishing to take part in the discussion are asked to register with Leahann Mollon by Friday, November 28, by e-mailing leahann.mollon@wtchumber.com