Delegation from Indo British Business Forum (UK) Visits CICU to Strengthen India–UK Trade Relations

Ludhiana, February 11, 2026: A high-level delegation from the Indo British Business Forum (IBBF), United Kingdom, led by Kavita Sharma, CEO, IBBF, visited the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), to explore avenues for strengthening trade and business collaboration between India and the UK.
During the visit, the IBBF delegation interacted with CICU office bearers and industry representatives to discuss expansion opportunities for Ludhiana-based industries in the UK market. The discussions covered key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, auto parts, infrastructure, bicycles, hand tools, machinery, and engineering products, which hold strong export potential.
Upkar Singh Ahuja, President, CICU, while welcoming the delegation, emphasized the international competitiveness of Ludhiana’s manufacturing ecosystem. He stated that “Ludhiana has emerged as a strong manufacturing hub, and our industries are fully capable of meeting global quality standards. Platforms like IBBF play a crucial role in connecting Indian manufacturers with the UK market and strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative globally.”
Honey Sethi, General Secretary, CICU, presented a detailed overview of CICU’s activities and highlighted the industrial strengths of the region. He remarked that “CICU remains committed to facilitating global market access for its members, and this engagement with IBBF will open new channels for trade promotion, policy dialogue, and business networking.”
Both organizations formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), mutually agreed to work together to promote Ludhiana industry in the UK through structured collaboration. The proposed partnership will focus on business linkages, trade facilitation, policy-level engagement, and improved market access for manufacturers and exporters.
Kavita Sharma informed the gathering about her plan to organize a round-table meeting in the UK Parliament with the concerned ministry to further deliberate on trade collaboration. She also invited CICU members to participate in the upcoming Mech UK Exhibition and expressed her willingness to facilitate discounted stall registrations for Indian exhibitors.
The visit concluded with a MoU Signing Ceremony, symbolizing a strategic partnership between CICU and IBBF. A token of appreciation was presented by Mr. Honey Sethi, and Rachna Jain extended a formal vote of thanks to the visiting delegation and all participants.