We were delighted to welcome H.E. Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, who delivered a keynote address at our Annual Conference on 24 November. With the UK-India Free Trade Agreement now moving from negotiation to implementation, the High Commissioner highlighted the breadth and scale of opportunities across India's fast-growing economy. His message reinforced the many opportunities for UK firms in sectors from services and manufacturing, to green technology and fast-moving consumer goods.
Our CEO, Rain Newton-Smith, also met with H.E. Stephen Smith, the outgoing High Commissioner of Australia, to discuss the strength of the UK-Australia relationship. Several years on from the Free Trade Agreement, and with two like-minded governments in place, the partnership continues to deepen. The arrival of Jay Weatherill in early 2026 as the new High Commissioner - a former Premier of South Australia who helped grow the state's defence and advanced manufacturing sectors - signals Australia's continued commitment to close strategic cooperation, including through AUKUS.
We were also pleased to welcome a delegation of senior representatives from leading companies in Japan, coordinated by Keidanren - our sister federation in Japan. Together with Secretary of State the Rt. Hon. Peter Kyle MP and a number of CBI members, the discussion focused on shared priorities: strengthening supply chain resilience, addressing economic security risks, and advancing collaboration under the UK-Japan Industrial Strategy Partnership.
Finally, the CBI has been in discussions with our US sister federation - the US Chamber of Commerce - ahead of the 2026 B20 Summit, which the Chamber will lead. As the CBI prepares to chair the B20 Summit in 2027, we are working together to ensure alignment on action tracks and deliverables. There may be opportunities for CBI members to contribute directly to this process: further details will follow in the new year, though do get in touch with our Europe & International Director, Sean McGuire, to find out more.