Cameron lauds British Asian businessmen

British Prime Minister David Cameron has lauded the contribution of the British Asian business community in the economic progress of the country and acknowledged that it has faced the economic crisis with courage.

He was speaking at the private dinner jointly organized by Sajjad Karim MEP and Chief Executive of Seamark plc, Iqbal Ahmed at Manchester.

The Prime Minister opened his speech acknowledging the huge contribution made by Sajjad Karim to bring the British Asian community together under one umbrella. He went on to highlight the importance of fostering entrepreneurialism and enterprise in helping Britain’s recovery from the economic downturn. Cameron also drew parallels between the values held by Britain’s Asian Community and the Conservative Party.

Karim introduced the Prime Minister and spoke of the important work being achieved by both the UK Government and the European Union, with particular reference to the need for Britain to be at the forefront of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, when it is concluded.

The Prime Minister referred to a speech made by Disraeli in Manchester in 1893 when he spoke about the need to build one nation in Britain.

Cameron said that “We should not have two nations of rich and poor, black and white, Muslim and Christian, but one strong British nation.

“The shared values of the Conservative Party are at the heart of the British Asian community”

Karim, welcoming the Prime Minister back to Manchester, said, “Mr Cameron never forgets the North West and we will always support him.”

He went on to mention the EU India Free Trade Agreement saying, “This evening we have many assets here who will ensure we are right at the front of that agreement when it is concluded. Certainly our MEPs are playing their part in ensuring we deliver on behalf of the United Kingdom”

Sajjad Karim concluded with a reference to the British National Party MEP for the North West of England, saying “He represents nothing but cancer and division and everyone must play their part in making sure he is not re-elected in 2014.”

Chairman and Chief Executive of Seamark Iqbal Ahmed, who hosted the event at Vermilion, talked about the growth of the family company in East Manchester over the past 20 years.  He congratulated the Prime Minister on the government’s policies to fight the recession, including the employment policy review, the reduction of Corporation tax from 28 to 24%, the relaxation of planning permission requirements to encourage industry to build, and support offered for inward investment.

“Asian people are very hard working” said Mr Ahmed. Paying tribute to the contribution that Asian businesses make to the British economy, he encouraged all to work together for the good of the United Kingdom. “Export sector could play an important role in rescuing the country out of the present economic crisis”, he further added.

Later the prime minister met owners of many of North West's successful Asian companies and took personal interest to know about the North West Asian businesses. Among other guests were MP Andrew Stephenson and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party.