The Chairman attended a lively Networking Reception of BCCT and met some of it’s 620 members in the Up & Above Bar of Okura Prestige, Wireless Road on 25th April 2013. BCCT have been in Thailand since 1946 and work closely with all the Thai Chambers of Commerce and represent members views and requests to Government and civic bodies.

They hold over 100 events annually and relationships with UK remain strong having been built up over 200 years. Christie Cherian met BCCT’s Executive Director, Greg Wadkins and the Vice-Chairman, Simon Mathews.

The evening started with our patron, Mike Nithavrianakis sharing his opening remarks. He shared the recent ministerial visits as well as the upcoming ministerial and trade visits in May and June. This was followed by views on UKTI by Barry Lowen, National Director, UKTI who was visiting Chennai. Richard Heald, CEO, UKIBC then shared the plan on British Business Centres across India and the role they will play in supporting British companies wanting to set up in India.

The first presentation of the day was by our member Aravind Srivatsan, Partner, KPMG on UK-India Business and the current state of trade between the two countries. He spoke at length about the acquisitions between both countries.

The guest speaker of the day was Mr. T. Shivaraman, MD &CEO, Shriram EPC Pvt Ltd and President, Madras Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI). He spoke about his role at MCCI as well as the power sector. An interactive Q&A session followed the presentations.