‘UK in Kerala Week’ Marks a Resounding Success

UK in Kerala : The ‘UK in Kerala Week’ event, spearheaded by Chandru Iyer, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Kerala and Karnataka, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of UK-Kerala collaborations.The UK in Kerala Week-long initiative, held from November 6 to 10 in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, showcased an array of engagements aimed at fortifying the existing bond between Kerala and the United Kingdom.

UK in Kerala

The British delegation, led by Iyer, immersed themselves in a whirlwind of over 100 meetings, spanning discussions with government officials, business leaders, start-ups, healthcare and tourism sectors, NGOs, educational institutions, athletes, and representatives from the theatre and civil society.

The multifaceted engagement aimed to unravel new opportunities, strengthen existing collaborations, and celebrate the robust partnerships that already define the relationship between Kerala and the UK.

“Kerala and the UK already nurture a deep relationship. This week, we have been engaging with a range of people and organizations to better understand opportunities, strengthen collaborations, and celebrate existing partnerships. The UK in Kerala Week has been a grand success,” expressed Chandru Iyer, encapsulating the sentiment of accomplishment.

In Kochi, the British delegation strategically disseminated information to local businesses regarding the advantages of aligning with UK firms. Meetings with entrepreneurs and start-ups provided a platform for fostering innovative collaborations.A visit to Maker Village highlighted the potential for technological exchanges, while discussions at the Kochi mayor’s office centered around the Cities4Forests initiative, supported by the UK, aimed at making Kochi greener and more sustainable. Notably, the delegation also met with the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in their engagement.

The pinnacle of the ‘UK in Kerala Week’ was marked by a grand reception hosted by the British Deputy High Commission, Bengaluru. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the event in Thiruvananthapuram, underscoring the significance of the collaboration.

Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia, acknowledged the crucial role education plays in the strong bond between the UK and India, citing the substantial scholarships provided by the British Council to Indian students.

A focal point of the week was the UK-Kerala Tourism roundtable, where Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas and senior tourism officials engaged with the UK delegation. In a 90-minute session, representatives from Visit Britain, Kerala Tourism, and tourism businesses from both regions explored avenues to enhance the flow of people between Kerala and the UK.

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