British Deputy High Commission (BDHC) based at Chandigarh Caroline Rowett met Industries, Ayush and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan during her visit to Shimla on Saturday. They discussed promoting Trade Investment between UK and Himachal Pradesh on the occasion.
 
The Industries Minister said that the focus would be on the Handloom industry. Discussion was held regarding support of BDHC to the state government in taking a trade delegation to the United Kingdom (UK). Given the similar weather, the UK is a strong market for Himachal's Handloom products, said the Minister. He added that the delegation will include representation from the state government and premium brands like Bhuttico etc.  

He said that the state Government would expedite the land allotment to RR Agro Ltd, based in Kullu. Their products were in great demand in the UK and a UK company was investing money in setting up the new manufacturing unit in Kullu. This would also lead to the creation of additional jobs in the region, he added.  
 

Chauhan said that the state was open to foreign investments in the liquor/wine sector. The State Government has already approved the project proposal of a Scottish company lan MacLeod with an investment amounting to Rs 50.80 crores and employment potential to 77 persons, for which land measuring 43,700 square metres has been allotted in favour of the Company in the Industrial Area, Pandoga, District Una in November, 2021 for setting up of State of the Art Malt Distillery Plant. Till date, the Company has made an investment of about Rs. 40 Crores for setting up of this plant, he said.

"Possibility will be explored doing an event/fashion show in collaboration with BDHC Chandigarh on the sidelines of the England vs India Test match in Dharamshala next year in March. This would promote Himachal's handloom products and showcase its culture" the Minister remarked.  

He said that the meeting was fruitful as it would open avenues for investment in Himachal and would also lead to revenue generation and employment to bonafide  Himachali people.