MARKETS

India

India, the world’s largest democracy, dominates the region and has contributed more to the global GDP from 2005-2018 than any country outside China and the US in addition to improving Ease of Doing Business. Despite economic slow-downs, in large part due to Covid-19, the IMF predicts that India will continue to be a significant contributor to global growth.

Beyond the strong economic fundamentals, our nations share a ‘Living Bridge’ of countless personal and professional ties. This has resulted in multiple trade, research and innovation partnerships – in particular between India and the UK’s young, tech-savvy populations. It is exactly these sort of partnerships that have led to bilateral trade increasing by almost 10% to £24bn in 2019. The UK and Indian governments are invested in this relationship. At the UK-India Joint Economic Trade Committee this year, the UK and India agreed to deliver an Enhanced Trade Partnership as a roadmap towards a potential free trade agreement in future.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is expected to be one of just a handful of countries with positive economic growth this year which reflects the underlying strength of the economy. Once the worst effects of Covid are over we anticipate a strong bounce-back, underpinned by rapidly expanding domestic demand. This growth opens up commercial opportunities in finance, healthcare, education, tech and defence procurement.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Colombo port is already the busiest in South Asia with half of all global container shipments pass within 10 nautical miles. The Port City development will only increase its attractiveness. Sri Lanka is seeking to capitalise on its geography and establish itself as a new financial centre between Dubai and Singapore.

Nepal

Nepal has the potential for economic growth through the development of hydro-electric power. Sectors like Education, Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism present significant opportunities for business that already trade with India and China.