UK to expand presence in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: In an effort to increase its footprint in the State, Britain will be setting up its consular office in tier-II cities of Tamil Nadu, according to British deputy high commissioner Mike Nithavrianakis.Nithavrianakis told Express on the sidelines of Confederation of Indian Industry’s Regional Emerging Entrepreneur Awards ceremony that the opening of additional offices in the State is part of the its plans to expand operation in India.“We are hoping to have additional offices in India in a matter of weeks and are getting positive signals from the Ministry of External Affairs,” Nithavrianakis said.He said Britain is now not focused on metros or State capitals but is planning to have its presence in tier-II cities and there are plans to have additional offices in Tamil Nadu. However, he refused to elaborate.Nithavrianakis also said that the British Deputy High Commission in Chennai is currently adding more staff.The plan to expand British footprint in India comes in the wake of British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Jeremy Browne’s visit to Chennai on February 14 this year.