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Speech by Ambassador at Event to promote Trade, Investment, Culture and Tourism of the State of Uttarakhand

March 17, 2025; 1830 hrs; Hotel Hyatt Regency 

Uttarakhand State is called the land of heavens. Uttarakhand ends like kand like Samarkand. Khand means part and Uttara means north. So, it’s a part which lies in the north hence UK. It is one of the most beautiful states in India and is known for majestic Himalayas, the pristine rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Alaknanda close to some 40 rivers, its charming hill stations like Mussoorie, Nainital, Ranikhet, tranquil lakes and now also for development and growth that has happened across sectors like infrastructure education tourism, agri-processing, health, pharma and alternative medicines.

It hosts the finest health resorts and spiritual destinations, adventure tourism like river water rafting or skiing, wild life tourism, thousands of yoga and ayurveda centres, national parks and historical sites some of them believe to be 2000 years old. Valley of flowers is a UNESCO world heritage side is a spectacle of flowers that bloom during a particular season is in Uttarakhand. Over the years, the state of UK has attracted many tourists including Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Julia Robert’s, Robert Thurman all visiting the state for finding serenity and calm.

We invite Uzbek nationals to explore this region. We also wish to invite Uzbeki investments into the state of Uttarakhand. The state has a single window clearance offers tax incentives in several areas and is also seeking investments into infrastructure development.

We also want more R and D cooperation as UK has close to 40 universities including some premium ones like IIT Roorkee which are already cooperating with the Samarkand state university. With your own focus on traditional medicines, cooperation in ayurveda and naturopathy for which UK is well known, this could be another area of cooperation.

UK is only few hours away from Delhi and has been a very popular destination for tourism and wellness. UK Government is keen to have Uzbek friends visit the place. They also seek greater collaboration and exchanges in education and hospitality and health. We will be happy to facilitate visit of Uzbek travel companies to the state.

There are niche areas like aroma sector which are also emerging. Also, with UK’s focus on sustainable technology driven and diversified cultivation which focusses on preserving bio diversity, enhancing farmer’s productivity, strengthening market connection and Agro processing, we see potential in having exchanges in these areas as well with your country.

Last but not the least, the cultural wealth of UK is unparalleled. It has variety of folk dances enthralling music, traditional jewellery, paintings, oak, tussar silk to name few. Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage can be showcased to UK and vice versa.

We will also see the cultural wealth of UK through some of the dances today. I think you will gather much more information in the videos we have
prepared for you.

Let’s move towards that.

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