The Economic Times interviews Kim Lalli on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement

As the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement edges closer to finalisation, optimism is running high across key industries.

Kim Lalli, Partner in our Real Estate team and head of the India Desk, argues in an interview with The Economic Times that the new FTA is a “game-changer” that is poised to unlock vast opportunities for cross-border collaboration.

In the interview, Kim explains that sectors like logistics, retail, and green energy are best positioned to benefit from reduced tariffs, simplified regulations, and enhanced market access. In Q&A format, Kim goes on to discuss:

• The immediate and long-term benefits this agreement holds for both countries, especially for India
  
• Which sectors in India are best poised to benefit from deeper India-UK collaboration
  
• How zero-duty access granted to 99% of India's exports could affect its position in global trade
• The rise of Western brands entering India and how the FTA may accelerate this trend
  
• The FTA's potential to boost Private Capital mobility between India and the UK
• Why the agreement is arguably crucial for strengthening India-UK strategic and economic alliances
  
• How the FTA may affect inbound and outbound M&A activity
• Whether the reduction in customs duties on premium vehicles could drive meaningful demand for UK-based luxury auto brands in India
  
• The signifiance of the halving of the 150% import duty on Scotch and gin for the overall alcoholic beverage industry in India
  

Read more in The Economic Times here.