The trip focuses on attracting foreign investments, strengthening ties with British companies, and studying world class motorsport infrastructure to support the state’s proposed Motor Sports City project.
The visit from 10 September to 17 September is aimed at pushing Tamil Nadu to become one of the top hubs for industries.
Vijay plans to expand operations of existing British firms already active in the state in engineering, financial services, and manufacturing, while seeking fresh investments.
The delegation includes Public Works and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna, SDAT (Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu) member secretary J. Meghanatha Reddy, Guidance Tamil Nadu MD & CEO Deepak Jacob, among others.
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which came into force on 15 July, has further boosted opportunities, particularly in textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, auto components, engineering goods, and electronics. Tamil Nadu was among the first states to benefit, with Chennai handling early post-CETA exports.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office stated that European companies have proposed projects worth around Rs 8,491 crore, as part of the TN investment conclave, which is expected to generate about 5,690 jobs.
The key sectors targeted include advanced manufacturing, automobiles and electric vehicles, electronics, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
After the recent announcement to establish a Motor Sports City, another highlight of the Chief Minister’s visit is the flag off at the iconic Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit.
A special guest will be waving the green flag at Silverstone this weekend! 👉 C. Joseph VIJAY
The Indian actor and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu @actorvijay, will be joining us to support our Indian drivers in the UK and officially start the #SilverstoneRound in front of the… pic.twitter.com/pZiZOKy7yW
— Le Mans Cup (@LeMansCup) September 10, 2026
Vijay is scheduled to wave the ceremonial green flag to start Saturday’s Silverstone round of the Michelin Le Mans Cup. Actor-racer Ajith Kumar is competing in the event for the Ajith RedAnt by Virage team in the LMP3 Pro/Am category alongside Romain Vozniak, with other Indian drivers also in the field.
The moment of the two Tamil superstars, who have often been seen as rivals on screen, coming together at one of the world’s most famous circuits is being hailed as a rare event for Ajith and Vijay fans alike.
Meanwhile, Vijay had announced plans to establish a world-class Motor Sports City, leveraging the state’s strong vehicle and EV manufacturing base. The team will study circuit design, safety systems, commercial operations, best practices, sports tourism potential, and related specialised automobile industries.
The proposed Motor Sports City will feature an international-standard racing circuit, modern supporting infrastructure, and advanced training facilities capable of hosting Formula 1, 2, 3 and 4 events.
(Edited by Tony Rai)