Discover the economic opportunities of bilateral trade
The Northern Asian Power Mission: India launches on Monday, offering businesses in the North and India the opportunities to discover the benefits of bilateral trade.
The five day virtual conference will provide businesses across the North with the opportunity to meet their Indian counterparts in order to expand and deepen relationships.
According to the Government, the UK-India trade relationship was worth £23 billion in 2019, while the latest India meets Britain Tracker 2020 shows a growing number of businesses selected the North as a base for operations (14% for 2020) up from 11% in 2019 and 2018.
However now as the UK prepares to “build back better” and with the Government remaining committed to the levelling up agenda the organisers of this virtual event hope now is the time to reap the economic benefits of the living bridge between the UK and India.
The events project director, Sharon Jandu said: “Our aim is to ensure the sector masterclasses have both thought leadership and networking opportunities, so that northern businesses can have conversations with Indian businesses in the breakout rooms, and we can encourage business relationships [to form and prosper].”
Her opinions were echoed by figures from both Governments.
Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India
Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India added: “The Northern Powerhouse is already a significant pillar of the living bridge connecting our nations – from India’s best and brightest studying in the Northern universities to the droves of Indian football fans who support the teams from the region. And this is in addition to the over 100 Indian businesses in the north who contribute enormously to our shared economic interests. I’m delighted to be participating in this event; 2021 is going to be an important year for the UK-India partnership, both bilaterally and on the world stage.”
Rakesh Sinha MP, Member of Rajya Sabha, Upper House of Parliament of India
While Rakesh Sinha MP, Member of Rajya Sabha, Upper House of Parliament of India said: “There is a huge potential of intellectual collaboration between India and Britain. People of both nations developed understanding with each other in historical process of togetherness. Both nations can together give joint leadership, not only to Commonwealth but also world by common efforts using human and natural resources.”
The event programme features both government and business figures from both countries and has highlighted six key sectors to focus masterclasses on:
- Creative industries
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Food and drink
- Advanced manufacturing
- Technology and digital
- Energy
Speakers at the masterclasses include the founder of Cobra beer and president of the CBI, Lord Bilimoria CBE DL, as well as Deepak Pahwa, the chairman of Pahwa Group and managing director, Bry-Air (Asia).
Other speakers taking part in the five-day virtual mission include, Graham Stuart MP, Parliamentary Secretary of State for Exports, Department for International Trade; Roger Marsh OBE DL, chair of NP11 and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership; Tim Newns, chief executive of Midas; professor Roopinder Oberoi, founder of the Centre for Innovation and Social Enterprise at the University of Delhi, and Nick Kaimakami, executive vice president & head EMEA & USA, Prime Focus Technologies.
