London; Lord Mayor visits India to boost economic ties

The Right Honourable, The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Fiona Woolf will visit India this week to boost economic ties between the two countries (19-23 Jan). 

The Lord Mayor will lead a business delegation to the political and financial centres of New Delhi and Mumbai on her trip, meeting with senior industry representatives and policy makers to help strengthen the UK’s economic links with India and enhance the bilateral exchange of ideas between India and the UK.

As well as meeting leaders from the insurance and actuarial professions, she will chair a round table discussion on global governance.  The roundtables will explore the potential enhancements to governance standards and practices brought about by the 2013 Companies Act. 

The Lord Mayor will host an evening reception during her visit celebrating London as a centre for financial and professional services and meet inward investors to promote investment opportunities in the UK.

Speaking ahead of her visit, Lord Mayor Woolf said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit India in my official capacity, especially at this exciting time.  India has the chance to deliver real economic reform – offering opportunities for foreign investors.  However, it is also important to note that reform is a delicate process.  Reforms must progress at a speed that allows infrastructure and the economy to develop so that long-term, lasting benefits are provided for Indian society and the wider economy. 

“I intend to use this visit to reinforce the mutual benefits for India and the UK.  The UK’s commitment to India remains strong: our companies want to do more business in India and the City of London remains India’s natural partner in global finance and business.  A greater participation of UK firms can help to facilitate economic development because they can introduce new products, services and expertise to the market, enhancing economic growth and supporting the development of domestic companies.  The City is here for the long haul.” 

Exclusive One Hour Interview with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

A lot has happened in two weeks. At the start of my visit, I was granted a one hour sit down interview with the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. I was able to ask literally anything I wished to and she answered the curve balls with a smile.
I am really pleased to have been granted this exclusive  interview, the only one she is giving in this period, when several other international networks were keen on it too and have played out some of it already on The World Tonight Jan 2nd and 3rd, 2014.
Today I watched the swearing of the new cabinet at the President's office.

Radio and Television reporting in Dhaka

I am working across both media here this time in Dhaka and really enjoying penetrating some areas hitherto uncovered by foreign journalists.

Somehow local organisations really appreciate foreign reporters in a way that the London media mafia does not. In Dhaka, people seem to love the fact that we have taken time out to look at what they choose to offer up and treat us with great courtesy.

My Bangladeshi friends  are my backbone and give me so much love that I am bowled over. I will miss you guys for sure. Thank you to those who are helping.

BBC Bureau Dhaka

I'm not sure why but I chose to try and do a  lot of my work and my filing without going into the BBC bureau for the first week despite a very warm welcome from the bureau chief Shakil and advice all round to visit for the support. It would have made life a lot easier.

When I did go in  a couple of days ago, I found a strong and busy team that acts as a base and an anchor for visitors from abroad.

It was incredible and not unexpected to learn from Shakil that the BBC brand is the most trusted in Bangladesh and knowing the quality of some of the journalists there I am not surprised.

The Bangla unit contains some of the best journalists in the world. 

Dhaka Rocks

It may be tense here in Bangladesh's capital but away from the political centre, the road blocks, the barricades and the highly visible security, writing in my hotel room I switch between different television channels; BBC World, Bangla news channels, and a new channel, Gaan Bangla. It's a cross between MTV and Fashion TV and seems to be soaring ahead of MTV in the popularity stakes.