London: Renowned British-Indian entrepreneur and peer, Lord Karan Bilimoria has been named the new chair of the International Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom (ICCUK). His tenure begins early next year, coinciding with the anticipated relaunch of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks.
Karan Bilimoria, best known as the founder of Cobra Beer, expressed strong support for the revived negotiations, which were recently endorsed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian PM Narendra Modi during the G20 Summit in Brazil.
“There are immense benefits for both nations in terms of goods, investments, and services,” Karan Bilimoria said. He urged the two governments to set a deadline, proposing June 30, 2025, as a target for completing the trade deal. He suggested celebrating the agreement with significant prime ministerial-led delegations between the two countries.
India’s Commerce and Industry Ministry has confirmed that negotiations will resume from the progress already made, aiming to resolve outstanding issues quickly. The stalled talks had been delayed by general elections in both countries earlier this year.
ICC UK’s Role And Karan Bilimoria's Vision
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the world’s largest business organization, represents 45 million companies and 1 billion employees across 170 nations. As its UK representative, ICCUK plays a key role in shaping global policies and standards.
Karan Bilimoria highlighted ICC’s unique position as a champion of trade solutions and emphasised its potential to bolster ties with global economies. He aims to deepen the UK’s engagement in international trade priorities such as the G7 and G20 while contributing to the country’s industrial strategies under the new government’s growth-oriented agenda.
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“The ICC offers an unparalleled platform to advocate pragmatic trade solutions. As we approach 2025, we have an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with key economies and advance international trade priorities,” he stated. He also underscored his commitment to advancing inclusive and impactful trade policies in collaboration with governments, regulators, and industry partners.
Lord Karan Bilimoria delivering a speech at an
international business event (Google image)
A Smooth Transition in Leadership
Karan Bilimoria succeeds Paul Drechsler CBE, who has led ICCUK for the past four years. Reflecting on his tenure, Drechsler expressed confidence in Bilimoria’s ability to further ICCUK’s influence and foster economic growth. Under Paul Drechsler’s leadership, ICCUK positioned itself as a credible voice on international trade, championing policies that promote inclusivity, investment, and economic recovery.
“I am confident that under Karan’s leadership, ICC will continue to thrive, and I look forward to remaining part of this vital community,” Paul Drechsler said.
Lord Karan Bilimoria's appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the ICCUK gears up to play a crucial role in shaping the UK’s international trade strategies and strengthening its global economic ties.
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