British Deputy High Commissioner Geoff Wain's tenure has come to an end, and he has passed on the torch to Peter Cook, an optimistic diplomat with a special corner and connection for India. Since arriving in Ahmedabad in 2015, Wain has placed India-UK relations on priority, bending backwards to deliver results and boost dealings between both the countries. Since his arrival, what was a 2-person trade office in the city, has now expanded to an 8-person Deputy High Commission. He believes Cook is the best person to further the growth. In a press interaction with local reporters, Wain said he was sad to leave, but will do so on a positive note.
He praised Gujarati companies and state politicians for their support and encouragement. Under his tenure, the Deputy High Commission celebrated several firsts, like the opening of a Visa Center in 2017, an exceeded trade target, multiple activities, and a positive thriving environment. Wain called inward investment, from UK to India is at a remarkable position, and so is outward investment.
“Britain-India relations are better than ever. 24 per cent more visas were issued last year. Number of student visas issues rose up 16 per cent, and 94 per cent Indians who applied, received their visa. It should also be noted that Indian nationals get more work visas from the UK than other nationalities. So those who say this is not the right time to work in Britain, the scenario is much different,” Wain said. Summing up his tenure in the state, Wain said “Guest is God philosophy is not just a philosophy in Gujarat.” After the completion of his term of office on Saturday, he will leave for London, where he will join the Diplomatic Academy.
“This is personal to me.”
Born in Calcutta, on August 15, Peter Cook believes he has been training his whole life for this job. He even studied in a school in West Bengal for six years, before he left for the UK. He has worked as diplomat for 35 years, running operations in New York, Istanbul, Turkey, and Denmark. He has been in charge of political teams. “This is personal to me,” he said. “And the warmth of the people in Gujarat makes it easier to keep this personal.” He said his aim is to build a modern relationship. “We have a history. I am a part of that history. But the future, that needs to be modern,” he said. Praising Wain and his team, he said it is remarkable the range of work they have done.
Cook said he was excited to take on new challenges, and by the period changes. Some new areas to explore, he believes is solar power and cyber security. “I would like to think we can do more in new industries,” he said. However, the most important aspect is, “How can we communicate freely. How can both the countries trade freely.” He also intends to stress on a sustainable future, and try and encourage the production of less waste. Another huge sector for the partner countries is the port sector. When asked about his focus on the education sector, Cook said “We will look for new ways to make our education facilities more successful. We are very selective of how we can help, but we will help. We intend to focus on vocational skills. This is an area in which UK, I believe, has a better understanding.”
“We are here to help, and the support we offer is practical. That is sort of our mission statement. We have not just come here to talk,” Cook said. He added, “We are going to be here 365 days a year, and I want each day to be a success.”
