New Delhi, June 24 (KNN) Union Minister for Commerce and Industry sought collaboration between India and Northern Ireland for the manufacture of telecom equipment and software for DTH set top boxes used in the cable television.

“With North Ireland known for its development of telecom payment software and software for DTH set top boxes in India, collaborative arrangements in IP and cyber security are the areas of interest between the two nations,” said Sharma while addressing the Global India Business Meet at Belfast.

The Indian TV distribution industry now comprises 6000 Multi System Operators (MSOs), around 60,000 Local Cable Operators (LCOs), 7 DTH and satellite TV operators and several IPTV service providers. The business model is undergoing a change in India. At one point of time, India had nearly 100,000 cable operators.

While the local operators are able to offer around 30 channels, the MSOs are offering more than 65 channels to the customers.

Sharma also took the platform to call upon the investors to invest in India for long term benefits.

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry is in Belfast for the Global India Business Meet. The Global India Business Meet is organized by Horasis along with Northern Ireland (NI) Government and Belfast City Council. 

Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment of NI Government, and Lord Mayor of city of Belfast Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir were also present during the opening session. They addressed a gathering of about 300 businesspersons from NI, UK and Indian business delegates. Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai, led the FICCI delegation from India to GIBM.  (KNN)