The British Cabinet Minister for Energy & Climate Change, Edward Davey on Thursday announced that the British Government will open a Deputy High Commission in Ahmedabad during a function at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA).
Speaking on the topic of ‘Changing Economics
— Tackling Climate Change & Driving Growth’ at the prestigious B-school, Davey said that Gujarat matters to the UK politically.
“In fact, the UK is home to 600, citizens of Gujarati origin. Just like in India, Gujaratis are drivers of economic growth. With entrepreneurship and excellence across countless fields, they matter to the UK economically too,” said the UK’s Secretary of State for Energy & Climate change.
He further said that Gujarat matters to the UK because Gujarat matters to India as it is a driver of growth and prosperity, learning and culture for all India. “Gujarat must be proud that the new Government in Delhi is publicly following the ‘Gujarat Model’ of growth,” he said adding that those who are studying marketing will know Gujarat is now rightly selling this message to the world.
Talking on the Prime Minister’s pet event ‘Vibrant Gujarat’, when he was at the helm of the State, the British Minister said that ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ has become a byword for attracting investment.
“It’s a powerful symbol of the success of Gujarat. The UK was delighted to be a country partner to the 2013 event and we look forward again to partnering Vibrant Gujarat 2015,” he asserted.
“And because Gujarat matters, I am delighted that the UK will strengthen our relationship further with an agreement to open a Deputy High Commission (DHC) here in Ahmedabad,” he declared adding that a DHC in the biggest city of Gujarat will help to deepen and broaden the ties between the UK and Gujarat.
The Deputy High Commission will enable to build on the strong people to people links that enrich all communities.
“For our vision for UK-India, UK-Gujarat isn’t about series of one-off transactions, important though individual projects might be. The vision is more powerful — it’s about an enduring relationship, of families, friends and firms growing together,” said Davey.
“2015 will be a defining moment. A global climate deal is in India’s interest, as well as the rest of the world. India’s growth and development matter to us. We see India’s emissions rising in the short term. Then peaking and falling towards a common level. This low carbon path will support India’s energy security and its growth,” he added.