Scottish Development International will be looking at opening more offices in India, as it expects a deeper engagement between India and Scotland in trade and investments.
While Indian companies, especially in the IT sector, operating in Scotland are looking at expansion, new companies across sectors such as life sciences, financial services and education are exploring opportunities to invest there.
Stephen Baker, Regional Director (Korea and Japan), who interacted with several companies here, said the response was positive and Indian companies were seriously looking at business opportunities in Scotland.
The organisation, a joint venture between Scottish Government and its economic development agencies and enterprises, helps overseas businesses tap Scotland’s key strengths in knowledge.
Currently about ten companies, including TCS, Wipro, Piramal and Hindujas, were operating from Scotland, investing over £700 million. “Most of these companies have announced expansion. Wipro is adding more jobs at its offices there,” he told Business Line .
Recently, online restaurant discovery guide Zomato has announced plans to set up shop in Scotland with an investment of $one million.
Several factors, chiefly IT infrastructure and lower salaries compared to the rest of the UK, are attracting companies to Scotland. For example, the salary of a project manager could range from £45,936 to £62,377 in London, while the same in Scotland could be between pounds £34,986 and £49,467.