Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday went on what is described as a 'major charm

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offensive' to encourage multinational companies, particularly those in India and China, to invest more in the UK.

The Prime Minister was joined by Lord Davies, Trade minister, and Peter Mandelson, Business secretary, at the Global Investment Conference as he attempted to persuade 250 chief executives from across the world to invest in the UK rather than in other European countries.

Several Indian company representatives were present for the conference, and their comments on the benefits of investing in the UK were widely circulated in press releases issued by the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy.

Investment from India increased by 44 per cent last year, making it the second-biggest investor in the UK, behind the US. China, which invested in 59 UK projects last year, is the eighth-biggest investor in the UK.

On average, over 30 companies per week invest in the UK, official sources said.

Brown used the conference to promote Britain as the most scientifically and technologically advanced country in Europe.