Jaipur: The recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom is expected to expand bilateral trade and create fresh opportunities for Rajasthan's industries, said Stephen Hickling, the UK's deputy high commissioner to Rajasthan and Gujarat. "There will be opportunities in textiles, gems and jewellery, automotive, engineering and machinery, as well as handicrafts and traditional industries," Hickling said, while highlighting prospects in services, professional mobility, and higher education, including possible collaborations for setting up UK campuses in India as well as in Rajasthan.The envoy underlined that British companies such as JCB already have a manufacturing presence in Rajasthan and that the FTA will attract further investment in engineering, chemicals, and renewable energy. "Rajasthan has a strong record in renewables, and the FTA includes specific provisions on clean energy and energy transition," he said.Hickling said the trade pact will also encourage two-way investments, with opportunities for Rajasthan-based enterprises to invest in the UK and use it as a gateway to European and global markets. "Investments into the UK can act as a springboard, thanks to our agreements with the EU, the US and the Trans-Pacific bloc," he added.He said the UK govt maintains regular dialogue with the state govts, and trade bodies such as CII and FICCI will play a key role in realising the FTA's potential. "The agreement will accelerate an already strong trade relationship," Hickling said.
