British Indian peer Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE will take over as Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom (ICC UK) from January 2025.
Lord Bilimoria, Founder of Cobra Beer and an active champion of UK-India ties, welcomed news that Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations are set to resume following a meeting between Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil.
He said: “There are huge benefits for both countries in goods, investments, and services. India is the fastest growing major economy in the world and Indian companies are already significant investors in the UK.
“An FTA will turbocharge the special relationship between both countries and unleash significant untapped potential going forward. Both Prime Ministers should set a deadline, for example the June 30, 2025, by which to complete the deal and the completion should be celebrated by the biggest prime ministerial led delegations to both countries.”
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The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the world’s largest business organisation representing 45 million companies with 1 billion employees in over 170 countries and ICC UK is the representative voice for the chamber in the UK. It provides a mechanism for UK industry to engage effectively in shaping international policy, standards and rules.
Lord Bilimoria added: “The ICC is uniquely positioned as a champion of pragmatic trade solutions, and I see significant opportunities to further strengthen our relationships with key global economies, as well as across government, including No. 10 (Downing Street), ministers, and regulators.
"As we look to 2025, I am keen to deepen our engagement on international trade priorities, including the G7 and G20, and contribute to the UK’s international trade and industrial strategies. The new government’s energy and focus on growth provide a unique opportunity for ICC to position itself as the leading voice for international business and trade. I look forward to working with our members, partners, and international networks to advance this mission and drive meaningful outcomes for UK businesses and the global economy."
In his new role at ICC UK, the House of Lords crossbench peer will succeed fellow businessman Paul Drechsler CBE.
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“Over the past four years, we have worked to position ICC as a trusted voice on the international stage, driving trade policies that foster inclusivity, investment, and economic recovery. I am confident that under Karan’s leadership, ICC will continue to strengthen its influence, and I look forward to remaining part of this important community,” said Drechsler.
