MOU by Haryana with British Council would strengthen India-UK relations: Kanwar Pal

CHANDIGARH: Haryana tourism minister,

Kanwar Pal

, said that signing an agreement in the field of tourism and crafts with the

British Council

, India will strengthen India-UK relations and will promote tourism as well.
He was interacting with media persons after the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between

Surajkund Mela Authority

and British Council, India at Haryana Niwas Chandigarh on Wednesday. The MoU has been signed for 3 years.

The MoU was signed in the presence of the minister by additional chief secretary (tourism) Haryana,

Vijai Vardhan

and North India Regional Director of British Council, Tom Birtwistle.

Tom Birtwistle

, expressed happiness over the agreement with the Surajkund Mela Authority, saying that this will give the craftsmen of the two countries an opportunity to showcase their talent at an international platform.

Describing the MoU as another milestone in the history of Surajkund Mela, the state tourism minister said that the Mela, which will be held from February 1- 16 in Faridabad, Haryana will gain more popularity globally. He informed that the British Council will organize several programs such as training of artisans, development of business models for artisans and display of woman craft workers in India and the UK in association with Haryana.

Vijai Vardhan said that the British Council will facilitate UK participation in Surajkund Mela for the year 2020, 2021 and 2022. The council will help four craftsmen from the UK to participate in the fair each year.
He informed that free boarding, lodging and local transport facility will be provided by the Surajkund Mela Authority to the craftsmen participating in Surajkund Mela. Apart from this, free space will also be made available for sale or exhibition of artworks during the fair.