The mayor has joined the coalition of Northern mayors, businesses, universities, tourism, culture and sport on the trip
Mayor Luke Campbell(Image: HEYCA)
Hull and East Yorkshire mayor Luke Campbell will next week join a major trade mission to India that is aiming to tap into one of the world’s largest markets. The trade mission has been organised by the Great North Initiative, with most of the North’s mayors being joined by business leaders and representatives from the education, sport and cultural sectors.
The trip has been arranged in a bid to seize economic opportunities unlocked by the new UK–India Free Trade Agreement, which it has been estimated could be worth £170m a year to the Yorkshire and Humber area. It is the first UK visit to India since the trade deal came into effect, and represents the first time the North of England has joined forces to promote itself on the global stage.
The Government’s Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will also join the trip to what is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. It is hoped that the trip, which is being backed by the HSBC bank, could secure new investment, jobs, help businesses grow and attract more talent and visitors to the North of England.
Mr Campbell and the other Northern mayors are expected to meet Indian ministers, the British High Commissioner, dignitaries and business leaders to explore new opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration.
The mission is designed to build a long-term relationship rather than a one-off visit, with a programme of business, university, investment, tourism, cultural and sporting partnerships being developed across the North. It forms part of The Great North’s work to build a stronger collective international proposition for Northern England and secure more investment, trade and visitors for communities across the region.
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Mr Campbell said: “When the North goes out into the world together, we carry more weight. The Great North gives us a bigger platform, and I want Hull and East Yorkshire right at the heart of it.
“We have a lot to offer. We are strong in energy, manufacturing, ports and logistics, food and innovation, and we have businesses here with the ambition to grow.
“I want investors and businesses in India to know who we are, what we make and what we can do.”
Mr Reynolds said: “From agreeing the India trade deal with Minister Goyal in Hyde Park last year to seeing it come into force this summer, the coalition of Northern mayors and businesses is an exciting initiative in the next stage our partnership which is packed with economic opportunities from our most significant deal to date.
“From Sunderland to Skye this is what will drive economic growth across the country, where government lays the groundwork for businesses and organisations to work together with international partners to create jobs and opportunities for now and for the future.”
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