South Yorkshire strengthens export ties with India following “prestigious” event

South Yorkshire has strengthened its ties with India following a prestigious Round Table event hosted by the Indian High Commission in London.

The event focused on the opportunities for more South Yorkshire businesses to export to and establish a presence in India, and for more Indian businesses to trade with and invest in South Yorkshire.

Keynote speakers at the event were the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Ms Gaitri Issar Kumar, South Yorkshire Mayor Dan Jarvis MP MBE and Richard Stubbs, Chair of the South Yorkshire India Advisory Board.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, which operates its India Growth Champions Scheme, in association with the UK India Business Council, has also seen strong demand recently from this region’s businesses for support and guidance with increasing exports to India.

In total, there are 447 businesses in South Yorkshire that currently export to India.

Dan Jarvis, MP MBE, Mayor, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, said: “This was a very positive and timely discussion for South Yorkshire, in light of the Free Trade Agreement currently being negotiated between the UK and Indian governments.

“India is such an important trade and investment partner for the UK and in South Yorkshire there are tremendous opportunities for our businesses in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare and digital to increase their engagement with India.”

“We are proud to be working so closely and collaborating with India’s business and Government leaders, as part of enhancing trade relationships which are mutually beneficial. Establishing our South Yorkshire India Advisory Board is a key part of our commitment.”

South Yorkshire MCA is planning a trade mission to India later in the year, with a reciprocal visit back to South Yorkshire by India’s business and civic leaders from the Maharashtra region. The UK’s High Commissioner to India is expected to visit South Yorkshire in March when she will be hosted at a number of key businesses and locations in the region.

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