MEDWAY businessman Moni Varma has been named as one of Britain's richest Asians.

In this week's Asian Xpress Rich List 2002, the official index of the wealthiest Asians in Britain today, Mr Varma is high on the list of company directors who rake in the most cash.

The managing director of Veetee Rice, based on Rochester's Medway City Estate, is worth an estimated £40 million. Sarwar Ahmed, publisher of the list, said: "The Asian Xpress Rich List 2002 highlights the success of the Asian community in the UK and their contribution to the local economy.

"These entrepreneurs have created enormous wealth for themselves, but also supported their local community by creating jobs and bringing investment into the city. This clearly demonstrates just how far Asians have integrated into the fabric of British society."