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London Tamil Market showcases very best of British Tamil business success

Last weekend's London Tamil Market showcased the very best of the British Tamils' thriving business successes.

The two day exhibition, organised by the British Tamil Chamber of Commerce was held on 9th and 10th April 2016 and included over 150 Tamil businesses, with thousands of visitors coming through its doors.

Jayux photograph

From traditional saree shops and caterers, to shop sign manufacturers and security system providers, as well as the breadth of Tamil media organisations and Tamil diaspora charities which invest in the North-East, the rows of stalls displayed the full array of the Tamil community's skills and entrepreneurship.

The annual event, which is was launched last year, received praise from a number of British MPs and the Chief Minister of the Northern Province, C V Wigneswaran.

"The Trade Fair plays an important role among the tasks undertaken by British Tamil Chamber of Commerce to build up the economical strength of Tamil people through institutionalized activity, taking in all types of commercial and trade ventures of the Tamil people in Great Britain," Mr Wigneswaran said in a video address to the event.

"The integration and the efficient organization of the economy and the human resources of the Tamil Diaspora, including the financial resources, intellectual and industrial skills, could definitely be the key to the prosperity of our people. I had already expressed in detail my opinion, as to what kind of assistance our Tamil Diaspora could contribute to their motherland at the National Conference of the University Grants Commission held on 13th February 2014. I also expressed my candid opinion that their assistance is essential for our well being."

"Recently, we had taken action to link our Jaffna Region with the Regional Local Government unit coming under the Kingston Surbiton Borough, where several Tamil people are residing by arranging a Twinning Program. For several months it had met with setbacks but now it appears to materialise. However I wish to state here that such signs of progress should be welcomed. I believe that the proposed Chief Minister’s Fund also would be accepted soon."

"The Northern Provincial Council shall be ever ready to collaborate with the Tamil Diaspora for the well being of the people and the development of our regions which had been devastated by the war. We sincerely hope that the British Tamil Chamber of Commerce will join hands with us in this 
regard."

See here for his full address in Tamil and English.

Expressing his supporting to the event, the British prime minister David Cameron said, 
"the United Kingdom is proud to be home to such a vibrant Tamil community, so many of whom have come to this country to set up the businesses and charities that are being showcased at today's event."

"The Tamil community have overcome adversity to develop an entrepreneurial reputation that is continuing to grow. Your community spirit, business and work ethic, and drive to succeed are a great credit to Britain."

Also endorsing the event, the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils, MP 
for Kingston and Surbiton, James Berry highlighted the Tamil community's resolve.

"I have seen how much integrity and resolve this community has as it fights for justice 
and accountability in Sri Lanka," Mr Berry wrote.

"These traits are also evident in their ability to overcome such significant challenges and in the wonderful talent and achievements of the Tamil business and organisations who have helped our culture and economy to flourish."

The event was visited by the Labour candidate for the London Mayoral election, Sadiq Khan. Addressing the event, Mr Khan celebrated the event and the Tamil community's successes in London.

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