TravTalk India Online Magazine
West Midlands India Partnership (WMIP) has launched a new strategy aimed at strengthening links between the West Midlands and India. WMIP is the region’s official engagement body.
NishaVerma
Called Stronger Together, the strategy has been developed in collaboration by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), PwC and the UK India Business Council. It identifies a five-year programme of activity to unlock mutually beneficial and sustainable economic opportunities between the region and India, as both territories look to rebuild from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 70 delegates were present at the event, while hundreds of others joined online. Many senior officials from the UK and international trade community and regional business leaders were among those to endorse the strategy and its aims, including Dr ShashankVikram, Consul General of India in Birmingham, and Gerry Grimstone, Minister for Investment. He said, “The region has a vast Indian heritage. We are working with our teams and our counterparts across India to strengthen UK ties further by establishing a Free Trade Agreement, that will unlock additional economic growth through trade and investment. The West Midlands India Partnership has seen fantastic success since launching in 2020, bringing together the most promising growth areas and delivering results for communities, and I’ve no doubt that its work supporting a vibrant business environment will continue our mission to increase exports, investment, growth and jobs between the UK and India.”
The strategy outlines five key priorities for establishing closer links with India. These include: Promoting the West Midlands’ pivotal role at the beating heart of the UK’s living bridge with India; Accelerating R&D innovation through enhanced science and education collaboration; Increasing two-way trade and investment within the existing West Midlands-India corridor; Further investing in WMIP to boost engagement between the region and India; and Maximising economic potential of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
