New Marketing Blitz to Strengthen UK-India Trade Relations
The Department for Business and Trade is set to launch a dynamic £1.5 million marketing campaign, titled “Alive with Opportunity,” aimed at bolstering the already robust relationship between the UK and India.
The campaign seeks to enhance trade and investment ties while celebrating the rich cultural connections shared by the two nations.
Business and Trade Secretary’s India Visit Kicks Off Campaign
Kemi Badenoch, the UK’s Business and Trade Secretary, will initiate the “Alive with Opportunity” campaign during her three-day visit to India, commencing on August 24.
Badenoch’s itinerary includes participation in the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting in Jaipur and subsequent attendance at a business-focused Business 20 summit in New Delhi. Meetings with key figures, such as Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Tata Chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran, are also planned.
In her statement, Kemi Badenoch highlighted the thriving relationship between the UK and India, emphasizing the shared ambition to deepen cultural and trade ties.
She noted India’s significant contribution as the UK’s second-largest source of investment projects, expressing confidence that the campaign would further boost demand for UK goods and services.
Campaign Aims to Elevate Trade and Investment
As part of the UK’s aspiration to double trade with India by 2030, the “Alive with Opportunity” campaign intends to stimulate interest in UK goods and services and attract new Indian investment.
Recent data from the Department for Business and Trade indicates that India is the UK’s second-largest source of investment projects, contributing to the creation of thousands of new jobs.
With over 900 Indian businesses operating in the UK and more than 600 UK businesses achieving success in India, the India-UK trade campaign underscores the thriving economic ties between the two nations.
Celebrating Cultural and Sporting Links
The campaign’s focus extends beyond commerce, embracing cultural and sporting connections between the UK and India. Coinciding with India’s hosting of the Cricket World Cup and the upcoming England-India test series in January, the initiative aims to celebrate these shared moments.
Advertisements will promote the UK on billboards, in airports, and across social media platforms. These endeavors will be supported by a series of targeted trade missions, promotional events, and marketing activations in both countries.
‘Living Bridge’ Concept at the Heart of the Campaign
The “Alive with Opportunity” campaign encapsulates the essence of the ‘living bridge’ concept, a term popularized by Indian PM Narendra Modi.
This concept signifies the continuous exchange of people, ideas, and culture between the two nations. The campaign seeks to vividly illustrate the profound relationship built on this exchange.
UK-India Economic Relations Flourishing
Richard McCallum, CEO of the UK-India Business Council, expressed optimism about the campaign’s launch. McCallum highlighted the flourishing economic relationship between the two countries, evidenced by the impressive growth in trade and investment.
He emphasized that Indian firms are embracing UK technology and capital to expand internationally, reinforcing the reciprocal benefits of this economic partnership.
Secretary Badenoch’s Agenda
During her stay in India, Secretary Badenoch will advocate for enhanced digital trade deployment at the G20. This strategic move aims to reduce trade barriers and facilitate easier international transactions for businesses of all sizes.
In New Delhi, Secretary Badenoch intends to engage directly with major Indian businesses spanning various sectors, encompassing BP, HSBC, Vodafone, and Rolls Royce. These meetings will culminate in a bilateral discussion with Tata Chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran.
This significant interaction follows their joint announcement of a £4 billion gigafactory in the UK. Moreover, the visit coincides with the 12th round of talks for an extensive trade deal with India. This potential deal holds the promise of substantially boosting the already robust bilateral trade relationship.
Conclusion
The “Alive with Opportunity” campaign serves as a testament to the enduring ties between the UK and India. As both nations look toward a future of strengthened India-UK trade and investment, the campaign embodies their shared commitment to fostering cultural connections and capitalizing on mutual opportunities.
Sources: THX News, Department for Business and Trade & The Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP.
