Vijay leaves for U.K., his first official overseas visit

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay embarked on an official visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday night, his first overseas trip after assuming office, with the objective of attracting new investments to the State in advanced manufacturing, automobiles and electric vehicles, electronics and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) aimed at creating high-end jobs.

Mr. Vijay left Chennai airport at 10.05 p.m. and was flying to London via Dubai. He is expected to reach London on September 11. During his visit, he will oversee the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with some U.K.-based companies and hold talks with industry representatives and entrepreneurs.

According to an official release, within 100 days of the TVK-led government assuming office, the State government has signed MoUs for investments exceeding ₹1 lakh crore. Multinational companies from several European countries have proposed investment projects worth around ₹8,491 crore, which are expected to generate employment for around 5,690 people.

The release also said the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the U.K., which came into effect on July 15, has further strengthened these initiatives. U.K.-based companies have a significant presence in Tamil Nadu in sectors including engineering, financial services and technology. Several of these companies have established manufacturing facilities and GCCs in the State.

Further, to take forward his announcement in the Assembly recently regarding establishment of the Motor Sports City in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Vijay will visit the renowned Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit to gain an understanding of the circuit’s design, safety systems and best practices for operating such facilities efficiently and commercially. The visit will provide an opportunity to explore opportunities in motor sports infrastructure, sports tourism and specialised automobile industries associated with the sector, the release said.

Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) Member Secretary J. Meghanatha Reddy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guidance Deepak Jacob, and officials are accompanying the Chief Minister during his trip. Mr. Arjuna and the official delegation had already left for the U.K. The delegation will return to Chennai on September 17.