City’s bond with India strengthened through High Commissioner visit

The Manchester India Partnership has welcomed the Indian High Commissioner to Greater Manchester for her first visit to the city region.

Building on the already strong existing links between Greater Manchester and India, there is significant economic, scientific and cultural potential through forging closer regional ties with India.

Appointed as High Commissioner to the UK in August 2018, and only the second female to hold the position, HE Mrs Ruchi Ghanashyam met with Mayor Andy Burnham and toured some key city assets, including MediaCity UK and the Manchester Museum, before being guest speaker at a ‘women in leadership’ dinner, hosted by Deloitte.

The High Commissioner was able to witness first-hand Greater Manchester’s strengths across a wide range of industry sectors, and note especially the ways in which the city region has welcomed and nurtured a host of Indian tech businesses.

Tim Newns, chief executive of inward investment agency MIDAS, said: “We are delighted to welcome the High Commissioner to experience what Greater Manchester has to offer and we look forward to further strengthening the relationship.

“Greater Manchester has already succeeded in attracting a spate of high-growth Indian businesses, including Tech Mahindra, 42 Gears and Hero Cycles and the development of investment and trade links with India in sectors such as tech and advanced materials is a key driver for us.”

Jo Ahmed, partner at Deloitte, added: “We are extremely privileged to welcome the High Commissioner on her first visit to Manchester.

“The dinner we hosted demonstrates the passion and enthusiasm the Manchester India Partnership has in fostering strong ties between Manchester and India.

“As only the second female High Commissioner in India, we had the added honour of Her Excellency addressing our Women in Business Network – a truly inspiring occasion.

“We are seeing first-hand the benefits of the strengthening business relationship between Manchester and India, underpinned by our sector synergies and the achievements of the Manchester India Partnership.

“It is vital we continue to raise the profile of our region as a world-leading hub for trade and investment opportunities.”

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