UK Trade Commissioner Highlights Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh’s Key Sectors | Bhopal News – Times of India

Bhopal: Trade commissioner for South Asia and British deputy High Commissioner for Western India Harjinder Kang was on his recent maiden visit to the state capital to explore trade ties with Madhya Pradesh. In his interview with TOI, Kang underlined potential sectors in which MP and UK can work together for better future. Excerpts from the interview:
In which sector do you see India and the UK forging ties in coming years?
n The UK-India relationship is wide-ranging, consisting of several brilliant examples of successful collaborations across sectors.During the visit of UK foreign secretary in July, it was agreed upon between the two countries to work on the Technology Security Initiative (TSI) with an aim to provide a fillip to crucial collaboration on telecom security while unlocking investment in emerging sectors. The UK sees scope in exports and investments in the field of tech, education, automotive (EV), health, renewable energy, and tourism in the state.
What is the biggest challenge you face working as Trade Commissioner of South Asia?
UK and India network is one of the largest overseas networks with nine regional offices across the country. The total strength of the workforce is massive and to navigate through such a big network is a good challenge.
What is your biggest achievement in regard to business and trade with India since you were appointed Trade Commissioner for South Asia May 2023?
n Welcoming the UK’s new Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, on his high profile visit to India within his first month. We had a hugely inspiring visit to HCLTech and Nasscom in Noida, meeting some of the best and the brightest minds from India’s tech ecosystem. The Tata Gigafactory announcement last year (2023) is one of the biggest investment wins from India, looking to create more than 4,000 new jobs in Somerset (England).
Your work area also includes Goa and Maharashtra. How these states are different from MP?
n MP has rich tribal culture, ancient temples and historical sites, Goa is known for tourism, fishing and mining while Maharashtra is one of India’s wealthiest states with diverse economy including finance, manufacturing and entertainment.
MP govt is holding regional industry conclaves. Do you have plans for investment in EV and solar energy sector in MP?
n India is a global leader in climate action and clean energy transition, and the UK is proud to collaborate with India under multiple themes. In Madhya Pradesh, through our Infrastructure for Climate Resilient Growth (ICRG) programme in India, we have supported poor and vulnerable people to cope with climate change. I met with the Indian Institute of Forest Management officials to explore the avenues to accelerate research in sustainable agroforestry to achieve growth in India’s forestry sector.