An elected mayor for Birmingham will deliver a better deal for Asian businesses, says the largest business organisation representing Asian companies.
The Institute of Asian Businesses’ (IAB) president and executive committee are unanimously in favour of the introduction of an elected mayor and are urging member businesses to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of the referendum on 3 May 2012.
Nasir Awan, president of the IAB, said: “It is time for the IAB and all Birmingham’s diverse communities to step up and support an elected mayor for Birmingham.
“The Institute of Asian Businesses was founded to create the best environment for Asian companies. This mission has not changed and it is our view that an elected mayor of Birmingham is the way forward.
“This is a positive move bringing the city into line with other major cities of the world where the mayor who is publicly elected works hard to promote the city nationally and internationally.
“Along with other benefits this would bring business and investment opportunities into the city benefitting the whole business community.”
Joining its sister organisation the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, the IAB argues that the recognition, profile and democratic accountability of a mayor for Birmingham will deliver a better deal for Asian businesses and is urging its membership to vote yes.
The elected mayor campaign will culminate at the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce annual dinner on 25 April. If the answer is yes, an election will take place on November 15 – the same day as an election for a city police commissioner.
