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Communities Secretary in India to advance
economic ties with The Midlands
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Secretary of State to host talks with prominent state and
industry figures over three days
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Visit takes place ahead of the highly-anticipated UK-India
FutureTech Festival in December
Communities Secretary Rt, Hon MP, begins a three-day
visit to India today (Thursday, 04 October) to promote business
and technology ties between the Midlands and the growing Asian
economic powerhouse.
The Secretary of State, who is also the Government’s Midlands
Engine Champion, will bring together senior British and Indian
officials and businesses to re-affirm a commitment to the
Midlands- Maharashtra Technology Partnership.
The Partnership is a regional element of the UK-India Technology
Partnership announced by Prime Minister and Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in April.
Together, the UK and Indian governments commit to increasing
partnerships in technology through industry, government, science
and research, and by fostering trade and investment opportunities
in both directions.
Communities Secretary, Rt Hon MP, said:
“The Midlands and Maharashtra are thriving tech hubs in their
own right, and by bringing these two great regions together we
are strengthening our technological and economic ties to the
benefit of our people and businesses.
“Whether it’s manufacturing the latest car model or sharing
ground-breaking research, there is a lot to be gained and I’m
determined we make the most of the opportunities, particularly as
we prepare to leave the European Union.”
The Secretary of State will begin engagements in New Delhi to
hold talks with Sir Dominic Asquith, British High Commissioner to
India and Shri Anant G Geete, Minister for Heavy Industries and
Public Sector Enterprises and Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley.
When in Maharashtra– the most industrialised state in India – the
Secretary of State will hold talks with advanced manufacturing
giant Bharat Forge.
He will be joined by the Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the Midlands
Engine partnership Sir John Peace.
In December, Delhi will play host to the India-UK FutureTech
Festival. The Festival is a thought-leadership summit which will
bring together business, policy makers, venture capital,
scientists and entrepreneurs.
It will drive trade, investment and partnerships across key
sectors, and promote and celebrate the UK and India as major
technology innovators and trading partners.
UK businesses are invited to take part.
