Australia India Business

The Cornerstones of Bilateral trade

“I hope to provide Indian industry with access to work undertaken in Australia to progress development of measures to address greenhouse gas emissions.”

A New and Exciting Phase

Australia takes India seriously. One of my first overseas trips as Trade Minister was to India in early 2008. My counterpart, Shri Kamal Nath, reciprocated with a visit to Melbourne in May. And my colleague, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, also visited India in September. There have been many more exchanges at the Ministerial level and there are more to come.

A New Dynamism

India’s rapid growth and increasingly outward-looking economy are opening up opportunities for Australian companies in virtually every sector. Both governments identify a number of industry sectors, including mining and resources, infrastructure, energy, information and communications technology, services, agriculture, education and biotechnology. Small to mediumsized enterprises are also making their mark, in areas from legal services, water and environment management services, tourism, food and wine.

On a Firm Footing

I congratulate the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) on the second edition of the Australia India Business publication.
Australia-India relations are on a firm footing. Trade and commerce, education, tourism and people-topeople contacts have increased, with further growth expected in the coming years.

There is Much to Do

India-Australia relations have expanded substantially in recent years, both in qualitative and quantitative terms. The growing cooperation encompasses diverse areas including: trade and investment; science and technology; biotechnology; mining and resources; defence; education; tourism; environment and clean development; counter-terrorism; and the combating of crime. People-to-people exchanges, academic interaction, tourism and visits of cultural groups have all been showing robust growth.

A Relationship of Enduring Depth

I commend the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) on the publication of the 2009 edition of Australia India Business.

Australia and India are natural partners. The full scope of the partnership is continuing to develop and my government is committed to taking Australia’s relationship with India to a higher level.