Liverpool City Region Launches Landmark Investment Mission to India
Mayor Steve Rotheram has officially launched the Liverpool City Region’s inaugural trade and investment mission to India. The high-level delegation is traveling to the world’s fastest-growing major economy to secure new commercial partnerships, drive job creation, and unlock access to £11 billion in regional investment opportunities.
This strategic mission comes in the wake of the recently enacted UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is projected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040. By targeting specific Indian states and cities that mirror the Liverpool City Region’s expertise in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology, the Mayor aims to build long-term economic and academic resilience.
Strengthening International Ties
The mission, which commences in Delhi on October 12, will see Mayor Rotheram join other Northern leaders under the “Great North” banner. This collaborative effort serves as the UK’s first major regional response to the new FTA, showcasing the North’s combined economic power—a region home to 16 million people and an economy worth over £340 billion.
The itinerary includes strategic stops in Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The delegation will eventually converge in Bengaluru on October 14 for a landmark event: the formal opening of the University of Liverpool’s new campus.
“India is the fastest-growing G20 economy, and I want the Liverpool City Region to be at the front of the queue,” said Mayor Steve Rotheram. “This mission is about putting our region firmly on the map, demonstrating to Indian investors why our unique combination of a Freeport, an Innovation Zone, and a £2 billion Investment Fund makes us the ideal destination for future-focused business.”
A Proven Track Record of Success
This initiative follows the success of the Mayor’s 2024 trade mission to the United States, which helped secure a major partnership with tech giant Kyndryl—a deal expected to generate up to 1,000 jobs.
Indian firms are already significant players in the Liverpool City Region, having invested over £650 million since 2005. Major industrial giants like Essar and Tata have already established deep roots in the area; Essar is currently driving a £1 billion investment into local oil refinery infrastructure, while Tata is transforming the Halewood JLR plant into a hub for electric vehicle production.
Cultural and Academic Synergy
Beyond commerce, the mission will leverage the global appeal of English football to foster stronger social and cultural links. Both the Liverpool FC Foundation and the Premier League are participating in the delegation, recognizing the rapid rise in the sport’s popularity across India.
The academic pillar of the trip, led by the University of Liverpool, is equally vital. Vice Chancellor Professor Tim Jones emphasized that the new Bengaluru campus will act as a bridge for research and innovation, providing students in one of the world’s most populous nations with access to world-class British education while strengthening ties between the two regions.
As the mission progresses, the delegation will also meet with tourism partners to tap into India’s growing travel market. With Indian visitor numbers to the UK expected to reach 1 million annually by 2030, the North of England is positioning itself to capture a significant share of a market projected to be worth £1 billion in visitor spend.
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