FREEPORT East has signed a deal with a leading UK and India innovation initiative, "deepening ties" between the two countries.
Freeport East chief executive Steve Beel and Andrew Stokes, of Energy Systems Catapult, signed the agreement.
The strategic partnership is between Freeport East, one of the UK’s 12 economic growth zones, and ITES (Innovating for Transport and Energy Systems) - a programme led by UK energy innovation experts Energy Systems Catapult with the Indian Institute of Science.
The partnership aims to transform green transport solutions, attract private-sector investment and boost bilateral trade.
Mr Stokes said: “ITES is empowering UK innovators to achieve transformative growth in India.
“Our partnership with Freeport East will set a precedent for collaboration that other publicly-funded programmes and freeports can emulate.”
Jack Landers, science team leader at the British High Commission in New Delhi, said the agreement was another "clear commitment on both sides" to build a bilateral relationship, following Foreign Secretary David Lammy's recent visit to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr Landers added: "This agreement will help further our common interests whilst building mutual growth and trade opportunities in green transport."
Mr Beel, chief executive of Freeport East, added: “We are delighted to be working with the Energy Systems Catapult and the Indian Institute of Science as part of the ITES programme.
“India is one of the world’s most exciting markets for innovation and offers significant opportunities for UK businesses to export their products and services. This agreement will help us support UK and India objectives whilst building mutual growth and trade opportunities in green transport.”
Alexandros Germanis, of business management consultant firm Greencrowd Partnership said: “We’re honoured to advise and support the ITES programme in its engagement with Freeport East and other innovative UK and Indian businesses.
“We believe the more private sector businesses join us in this endeavour, the greater our collective impact will be in supporting innovators to solve India's transport decarbonisation challenges.”
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