UK envoy Christina Scott places special value on Gujarat-UK ties during visit to Ahmedabad
Updated: Jul 13th, 2024
Gujarat’s strong ties with the United Kingdom, how the UK can support in the state’s bid to host the Olympics and economic relations between the two countries figured in the exclusive conversation Deputy High Commissioner of the UK in India Christina Scott had with Gujarat Samachar. Scott was on a visit to Ahmedabad on July 12.
Scott talked about the bilateral relations between the UK and Gujarat, the ongoing foreign trade agreement negotiations between the two countries, and the future of these relations under the new Labour Party government in the UK.
Strengthening relations between India and the UK is a top priority for the new Labour government, according to Scott. “It’s only been a few days since the new government was formed, but as far as the relationship between the two countries is concerned, it is our top priority,” said Scott.
“We aim to boost not only people-to-people ties but also cultural and economic development, address internal and global security, and tackle climate change. Our Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy has clearly stated that he will visit India within the first month of taking office. The Labour Party has also announced its commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries,” she added.
UK-Gujarat ties
The UK is the only country which has its permanent diplomatic office in Ahmedabad. Regarding the relationship with Gujarat, Scott mentioned that there are strong personal connections between the state and the country.
“A third of Indians in the UK come from Gujarat. Gujarat is an economic powerhouse, and representatives from the state play a significant role in India. Students and businesspersons frequently travel back and forth. There are numerous opportunities for British companies in Gujarat; investments have been made, and now GIFT City is also important for us,” she stated.
Educational tie-ups
According to Scott, the Indians make the largest number of international students in the UK. “We love having them,” she exclaimed.
“There are ongoing discussions to avail education of top British universities in India. Efforts are also going on for students from Gujarat to visit the UK for education,” she said.
“Although these discussions are currently in the preliminary stages, the idea is to have campuses of UK universities in India where students, scientists, and engineers can study and also collaborate in research fields,” said Scott.
Olympics– a bid for comprehensive development
As India is aspiring to host the Olympics 2036 in Ahmedabad, Scott said, “The Olympics were a significant experience for us in East London in 2012 and a matter of pride as well. Fifteen years ago, East London was a relatively underdeveloped or poor area.”
“After organising the event and utilising the facilities established for it, which are still in use today, the area has seen comprehensive development. The development continues to progress in that region as well. We can share this experience and understanding with Gujarat. It is essential that the Olympics are not just about organising a sports festival but also about achieving comprehensive development,” she stated.
Gujarat-UK shared sectors
Talking about the scope of potential industries in Gujarat, Scott said, “I think some of the strongest sectors for British companies in Gujarat are chemicals and manufacturing. We see increased investment in those areas. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot more interest in GIFT City. We’ve seen a large number of British financial services companies coming up and trading here and increasing their footprint in GIFT city.”
Scott mentioned that cybersecurity is one area where the UK has big strengths, but also Gujarat has its strengths.
Scott also expressed her fascination for stepwells and today, she visited the UNESCO World Heritage site in Champaner, according to her X account. Scott was also all praise for the vegetarian Gujarati thali and food of the state.
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