A 24-member Chamber delegation, led by Chamber Chairman Christopher Cheng, concluded a six-day, high-level business mission to India on January 21.

In addition to studying the latest investment environment and business opportunities in the second most populous country on Earth, the delegation also promoted Hong Kong as the gateway to the greater Mainland China market, Mr Cheng said upon returning to Hong Kong.

The delegation's first port of call was the commercial centre of the country, Mumbai, then its capital, Delhi, during which they discussed various issues with senior government officials and local businessmen. They also visited Bombay Stock Exchange and Tata Consultancy Services.

Commenting on the mission, delegates said India's attraction as an investment destination lies in its political stability, talented low-cost labour force, strong English skills and expertise in information technology development, especially software.

Opinions that members put forward about investors' aspirations and concerns about setting up business in India were welcomed by officials. After the meetings, delegates said that they believed the Indian Government would continue to liberalise various sectors of its economy and reduce red tape to attract more foreign investment, albeit at a conservative pace.

During Chamber presentations to promote Hong Kong's integration with the PRD and its role as the gateway to Mainland China, Indian businesses showed keen interest in entering the market, and picked members' brains on business opportunities in Hong Kong and the Mainland.