India-North England Summit Aims to Boost Business Links as Exporters Urged to Seize Opportunities
The growing business connections between India and the North of England will be highlighted at a major summit this month, with hundreds of business leaders and policymakers gathering to celebrate and expand these ties. The India North England Opportunity Summit is set to take place at Emirates Old Trafford, marking one year since the Consulate General of India opened its doors in Manchester. This event coincides with the imminent implementation of the new trade deal between the UK and India, which is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade.
Strengthening Economic Ties Through Strategic Initiatives
Over the past year, the Consulate General of India in Manchester has played a pivotal role in fostering links between Indian firms seeking investment opportunities in the North and local businesses exploring the vast Indian market. Additionally, the consulate has welcomed improved air connectivity, including the launch of direct flights from Manchester Airport to Delhi and new weekly services to Mumbai, facilitating easier travel and trade.
India stands as one of the UK's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding £41 billion in 2024. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement, signed in July of last year, is designed to boost this trade by approximately £25.5 billion annually. This agreement eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian goods entering the UK and 64% of UK goods entering India immediately, with plans to increase this to 85% over time.
Key Speakers and Event Details
The summit, scheduled for March 20, will feature prominent speakers such as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury Jonathan Reynolds and Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig, alongside Angela Rayner MP and numerous investors and business leaders. This gathering aims to provide a platform for networking and strategic discussions to capitalize on the new trade opportunities.
Vishakha Yaduvanshi, Consul General of India in Manchester, emphasized the importance of this moment, stating, "With the India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement soon coming into force, this is an important moment to strengthen relationships and ensure businesses across the North are ready to seize the opportunities ahead." She added, "Since launching in Manchester a year ago, the Indian Consulate has played a crucial role in facilitating business connections. We are committed to building on that momentum by bringing policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry together."
The event will be held at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, and is expected to draw significant attention from the business community. For more information, interested parties can visit the official summit website.
