Bilimoria is British co-chairman of Indo-British Partnership

London: Mike O'Brien, MP, minister of state for international trade, investment and foreign affairs, has announced the appointment of Karan F Bilimoria as the new British co-chairman of the Indo-British Partnership (IBP). Bilimoria, who succeeds David Jefferies in the role, is the chief executive of Cobra Beer.

The IBP was established in 1993 to raise awareness of the mutual trade and investment opportunities in the two countries, to offer support and advice to companies, and to try and remove obstacles to trade and investment. It was established to be a campaign involving the public and private sectors in both countries.

In his new role as British co-chairman of the IBP, Bilimoria will work alongside his Indian counterpart, N R Narayanamurthy of Infosys, to further develop two-way trade and investment between the UK and India.

Says O'Brien: "The IBP plays a valuable role in furthering the trade and investment links between our two countries, and I am delighted to announce Bilimoria's appointment as co-chair. Having known him personally for the past 12 months I am sure he will do an excellent job to take the IBP forward to even greater success. I would also like to pay tribute to the hard work put in by Jefferies and Narayanamurthy, his Indian opposite number."

Narayanamurthy, welcoming Bilimoria's appointment, says: "Knowing Karan as I do, I have no doubt he will be a great asset in enhancing the trade between our two countries. I am honoured to work with him as co-chairman."