Gujarat welcomes West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker; Joint Working Group to accelerate bilateral collaboration
GANDHINAGAR : A high-level delegation led by Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, visited Gujarat on their first official engagement following the landmark India–UK Trade Deal, marking a significant step toward deepening bilateral economic and institutional partnerships and met with Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Bhai Patel.
The delegation’s visit underscores the growing momentum in India–UK relations under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Gujarat reaffirming its position as a leading global hub for investment, manufacturing, and innovation.
During high-level discussions, both sides explored avenues of collaboration across strategic sectors including:
Higher Education & Research Partnerships
Green Economy & Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
Advanced Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
Skill Development & Workforce Mobility
Sports Infrastructure & Commonwealth Games Ecosystem
Mayor Richard Parker and his delegation expressed strong interest in forging institutional partnerships and promoting industry-to-industry collaboration to drive sustainable growth and technology exchange.
To institutionalize and accelerate engagement, a Gujarat–West Midlands Joint Working Group (JWG) will be constituted. The Industrial Extension Bureau (iNDEXTb) will serve as the nodal agency from Gujarat to coordinate initiatives, facilitate stakeholder interactions, and ensure time-bound progress on identified areas of cooperation.
The delegation was also invited to participate in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which serves as a premier global platform for investment partnerships, policy dialogue, and innovation-led growth.
This visit marks a pivotal step toward strengthening the Gujarat–UK economic corridor and advancing a shared vision of innovation-driven, sustainable, and globally integrated development.
