Greater Manchester Eyes Deeper Ties With Indian Firms
Mayor Bev Craig announces plans to deepen ties with Tata, TCS, and Hexaware to boost life sciences and tech in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester is poised to significantly strengthen its economic ties with Indian industry leaders, with major announcements expected later this week. Mayor Bev Craig has signaled a push for deeper partnerships with prominent Indian corporations, including Tata, TCS, and Hexaware, to bolster the region's growing reputation as a global hub for innovation.
Focus on High-Tech and Life Sciences
Speaking on the sidelines of the India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) Business Plenary, Mayor Craig emphasized that the region is undergoing a massive transformation. Greater Manchester is positioning itself as a premier destination for high-tech employment, particularly in sectors where it holds a competitive edge.
The Mayor highlighted several key areas of interest for future collaboration:
- Life Sciences: Leveraging regional expertise to drive medical breakthroughs.
- Pharmaceuticals: Strengthening the supply chain and research ties.
- Health Technology: Integrating digital solutions into healthcare systems.
- Artificial Intelligence: Capitalizing on the region's status as the most AI-ready area in the UK.
A Proven Track Record of Cooperation
The push for new partnerships builds upon a foundation established years ago. The Manchester-India Partnership, launched in 2018, has already proven its value by facilitating over 41 projects involving 30 different companies. These collaborations have been instrumental in generating thousands of jobs and providing a significant boost to the regional economy.
Beyond corporate investment, the connection between the two regions is deeply rooted in education. Every year, thousands of Indian students travel to the region to study at the University of Manchester and other local institutions, creating a continuous exchange of talent and ideas.
The Impact of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement
Mayor Craig expressed significant optimism regarding the potential of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). She noted that a government-to-government approach, combined with city-to-city and state-to-state engagement, provides a powerful framework for trade. This structure allows local leaders to negotiate directly with major companies to bring investment and high-skilled jobs to the region.
The Mayor also touched upon the expanding influence of Manchester in the Indian sporting landscape, noting the recent acquisition of the Manchester Super Giants cricket club by the RPSG Group, which opens further avenues for cross-border engagement.