World news story

UK Minister Priti Patel honoured at 'Jewels of Gujarat' reception

The award marks Patel’s inclusion in Maneesh Media’s 'Jewels of Gujarat' publication, which showcases leading global Gujarati personalities.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Prime Minister’s UK-India Diaspora Champion, Priti Patel MP, has been presented ‘Jewels of Gujarat’ award at a reception in Ahmedabad by Chandmal Kumawat, Chairman Maneesh Media and Krishnakant Vakharia, President of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj. ‘Jewels of Gujarat’ was first launched in September by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to the US.

Priti Patel is the first ever UK-India Diaspora Champion in the UK, a role that we believe to be unique worldwide. Over the past year, she has travelled throughout the UK to meet with members of the diaspora community, and has helped to act as an advocate and a voice for the UK’s 1.5 million strong Indian diaspora.

On the receipt of the award, Priti Patel said:

I have always been proud to have a heritage here in Gujarat, and am honoured to have received a ‘Jewels of Gujarat’ award this week. Gujarat is a state with which the parallels between the UK and India are clear. Both economies are open, outward looking and dynamic – a great example of why UK India trade links are so strong, and why Gujarat and the UK have been doing business with each other for centuries.

To capitalise on these opportunities, the UK is building a new Deputy High Commission here in Ahmedabad to give British businesses new and improved links to trade and investment opportunities in Gujarat, and to provide enhanced consular services to the large British Gujarati diaspora population. I look forward to attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas over the next couple of days and hearing from other members of the diaspora.

During her visit to Gujarat so far, Patel has also visited the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar. She is attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention as a Guest of Honour, and will deliver a keynote speech to the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce.

Further information:

  • Priti Patel MP has visited India in November 2013 (when she was appointed as the UK PM’s UK-India Diaspora Champion), January 2014 and July 2014.

  • She accompanied the Prime Minister during his programme to New Delhi and Kolkata, attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in 2014, and accompanied the Chancellor of the Exchequer to Mumbai and New Delhi.

  • She has met with a wide range of interlocutors including Prime Minister Modi.

For further information email Asad Mirza or call on + 919810113775

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Published 7 January 2015