International Development Secretary Alok Sharma underlined the “shared values” of the Jewish and Asian communities in Britain, in an address to the inaugural Asian Jewish Business Network (ABJN) event on Monday, hosted at the Lords Cricket Stadium.
Mr Sharma said: “I am honoured to be at the launch of ABJN. A few years ago, I was the Co-Chairman of Conservatives Friends of India and was speaking to my friends at another organisation, the Conservative Friends of Israel. Back then, we discussed what more we can do to encourage bilateral trade, foster business and ensure deeper engagement between the British Indian and Jewish diaspora”.
He underlined: “A closer observance of the two communities reveals that they also have shared values around patriotism, tradition and entrepreneurial spirit. Be it in politics or business, individuals from both these communities have punched well above their weight and contributed to the UK’s economic and cultural fabric. This network is, therefore, an iconic beginning to further strengthening these communities”.
The event was attended by over 400 guests from the fields of politics, business and law, including Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business, Sir Lloyd Dorfman CBE, Founder of Travelex & Chairman of Doddle, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Chairman and Founder Cobra Beer, Zaki Cooper of Indian Jewish Association, Faisal Islam, Economics Editor of BBC News and cricketer Monty Panesar among others.
The network is the brainchild of Russell Bahar, Director of Spring Ad Consultancy alongside Justin Cohen, News Editor for Jewish News.
