South Yorkshire is looking to attract Indian investment across advanced manufacturing, sustainable aviation, energy, artificial intelligence (AI) and preventive healthcare, with the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) expected to strengthen business opportunities between the two countries, Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said.
In an exclusive conversation with ANI on the sidelines of the 16th Session of the India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), Coppard said the region sees significant potential in India's growing economy and was keen to use the trade agreement to attract businesses and expand the presence of South Yorkshire companies in the Indian market.
The mayor said South Yorkshire recently secured a seven-figure investment from Indian company Raghu Vamsey to create jobs in the region, driven by its expertise in advanced manufacturing.
“We are world leaders when it comes to advanced manufacturing, energy, materials, sustainable aviation, and defence,” Coppard said, adding that the FTA would support the region's ambitions in these sectors.
The region is also seeking investment in energy and materials, while expanding opportunities in digital technology, AI, quantum computing and startups. Coppard highlighted companies such as ITM Power, which operates in the hydrogen sector, as an example of the region's capabilities.
South Yorkshire is also focusing on preventive healthcare, with the region having appointed a deputy mayor for health to work on developing its health economy, he said.
Coppard said the broader investment opportunity across northern England could be worth around 400 million pounds if the regions successfully capitalised on the opportunities available.
He also highlighted Sheffield's growth prospects, describing it as the UK's second-fastest-growing core city, and said South Yorkshire offered Indian companies access to skills and an established business ecosystem.
The mayor said the region was keen to work with Indian businesses in the coming years to expand investment and strengthen economic ties following the trade agreement. - ANI
