India is an "extraordinary" country to do business and the reward for long-term investment there is "very good", a former British diplomat has said.
Speaking at a day-long 'UK Karnataka Business Meet 2013' in the House of Commons, Mike Nithavrianakis, who recently returned after his four-year tenure as Britain's Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, said that "it is not an easy place to do business".
But in spite of the hurdles, "India is absolutely an extraordinary country to do business once you invest there and the reward in long term is very good," he said.
Mike, who was looking after the southern states said, "Karnataka is a wonderful state, particularly for doing business in knowledge-driven industries like information technology, biotechnology and aerospace."
Noting that the UK has opened a new business centre in Gurgaon near Delhi, he said similar centres would be opened shortly in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata.
"In India, more than any other place, what matters is your personal relationship," Mike said, adding "Indians are the most hospitable people in the world."
In India, every sector has an opportunity, particularly infrastructure, road, ports and airports, he said.
Speaking on 'Advantage Karnataka', chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council D H Shankaramurthy said: "Karnataka can boast of many things, historically, culturally, industrially and business-wise.
"Our doors are open for all to do business and invest in the state. The situation has completely changed in the last few years. Whether it is in the fields of IT, agriculture production centre, you can do business there for mutual benefit."
Shankaramurthy invited businesses to invest in industries connected to prevent agriculture waste.
Virendra Sharma, MP Chair, British South India Chamber of Commerce (BSICC), convened and presided over the meet.
