Leading influencers shared insights on ‘Taking the bilateral trade between Western Australia and India to new horizons’ in Perth on 27 June. The speakers include Swati Dave and Tim Thomas, the leadership duo at the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR); Frances Lisson PSM, the Chief Negotiator for the free trade agreement with India; Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for IT & Digital, Tamil Nadu Government, and legendary cricketer Bradd Hogg.
Our thanks to global law firm, DLA Piper, for hosting the event, which saw over 80 participants.
Swati Dave and Tim Thomas, spoke about their plans for the Centre and the important role it will play in the relationship with India.As Australia’s Chief Negotiator on the free trade agreement with India, Frances Lisson PSM, First Assistant Secretary, DFAT outlined the journey to the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), to be finalised later this year.
Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu state government, also joined to talk about growing connections between Perth and Chennai. Invest and Trade Western Australia (WA) opened their first India office in Chennai earlier this year.
A special mention of Brad Hogg, the former Australian cricketer who was also present at the event.
AIBC WA Chapter has been closely involved in the WA-India business engagement, playing a vital role in the business delegation of over 100 businesses who went to India in July 2022, along with Deputy Premier Roger Cook. The focus industries for the bilateral relationship are education and skilled migration, mining, mining equipment, energy, advanced manufacturing, tourism and infrastructure.