The group met members of the region's business community at an India-themed dinner in Manchester to forge stronger business links.

Mrs Treadell attended the event, organised by Sandra Brusby of UK Trade & Investment's India Unit in the North West, and spoke to UK entrepreneurs about opportunities in India - the second largest export market in the developing world after China, and one of UKTI's designated High Growth Markets.

UK exports of goods and services to India currently exceed £3bn and UKTI North West, working with the Northwest Regional Development Agency, offers services and events to ensure companies are well positioned to take advantage of this growing market.

Mrs Treadell emphasised the countries' strong links and pointed out that North West companies are well positioned to take advantage of what is the UK's 18th largest export market.

Earlier in the day Vicki Treadell and some of the Indian delegation, including representatives from the Internet and Mobile Association of India and i2i Telesource India, viewed the MediaCity UK site at Salford Quays and toured the mobile telecommunications incubator at Cinnamon Park, Birchwood, Warrington.

The aim was to encourage India's hi-tech industries now looking to expand overseas to locate to the North West. But North West businesses were also made aware of two key events taking place early next year.

The first of these takes place in January when the New Delhi Auto Expo, which showcases the Indian automobile and auto-component industry, is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors from around the world. The following month UKTI North West, supported by NWDA, is organising a fully supported market visit to India which will include pre-visit and in-market briefings from British Embassy staff, networking receptions and advanced publicity. Interested SME's may even qualify for UKTI financial support.

Sandra Brusby said: "UKTI and the NWDA have been pro-active for some time in promoting the North West as a key location for Indian businesses and bilateral trade. The support from the British Deputy High Commissioner in getting this message across is very encouraging.

"In fact some of those visitors who came on the tour to MediaCity have already decided to come back later this month once they have reported back on the details of their findings."