Developed nations cannot have protectionist attitude: Sharma

H S Rao
London, Jun 29 (PTI) India has asserted that the
developed countries should not adopt a protectionist attitude
towards emerging economies amid growing concerns over
Britain's decision to impose a cap on immigration from non-EU
countries.
Reacting to Britain's decision to impose a cap on
immigration from the non-EU countries, Commerce Minister of
India Anand Sharma said "developed countries cannot have
protectionist attitude toward emerging economies anymore".
Home Secretary Theresa May Monday announced an
annual limit of 24,100 for non-European Union professionals to
be allowed into the UK until April 2011.
It could hit thousands of highly skilled Indian
professionals who will not be able to take up jobs in Britain
after the government announced a limit of 24,100 for
non-European Union professionals to be allowed into the
country.
Indian professionals are among the highest non-EU
groups who migrate to Britain to take up jobs in IT, medicine,
services and education sectors.
Details of how the final limit will be delivered will
be agreed following a 12-week consultation with trade and
industry.
As far as the UK is concerned, India is the second
largest investor after the USA. There are 500 Indian companies
in the country and is the biggest employer after the UK.
Sharma wanted the UK to bear this in mind.
The minister also met Prime Minister David Cameron,
Foreign Secretary William Hague and Business Secretary Vince
Cable and took up the issue of the cap on immigration.
Sharma said the UK government should keep in view
India's large investment in UK and the fact that the move
should not be detrimental to Indian businessmen who use
Britain as a hub.
He also said that the response of the British
government officials was "positive" on his concerns on the
immigration issue and that they told him that it will
be discussed afresh with the Home Office.
The minister said he had impressed upon the British
government that the cap should not come in the way of free
movement of professional and businessmen.(MORE)PTI HSR
KAB


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