FOREIGN Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw last night praised the country's Asian business leaders for being a driving force behind Britain's booming economy.

The cream of Lancashire's Asian business leaders were in Blackburn for the Asian Business Federation Annual Dinner - the largest gathering of minority ethnic businesses in the UK.

More than 700 people attended the high-profile event at King George's Hall to hear from speakers who included Mr Straw and the founder of internet company Freeserve, Ajaz Ahmed.

Mr Straw praised the role played by Asian businesses in the UK's economic growth. "Twenty years ago, Britain was the basket case in Europe, bottom in terms of the national wealth created," he said.

"Twenty years later, we are very near the top and are outstripping France and Germany.

"There is a very important reason that has contributed to this growth. That is the disproportionate contribution made by Asian businesses.

"The Asian community has brought new ideas, new vision and a great spirit of entrepreneurship."

The ABF was formed in 2000 to represent the needs of the rapidly expanding minority ethnic business community in Lancashire and is the largest organisation of its kind in the country with more than 1,000 members.

Chairman Tahir Mohsan, who founded the Simonstone-based Time Computers group, said: "The ABF has now established itself as an exemplary organisation nationally.

"It will continue to be focused on the needs of the members and ensure all our core activities meet these needs."

Chief executive Khalid Saifullah said the prestigious event had become an important date for businesses.

"It creates a vibrant atmosphere where businesses can celebrate their success and the important role entrepreneurship plays in growing and sustaining our regional economy, while creating wealth and opportunities for many more people," he added.