This year’s Australia India Address marked the special celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence. The gala dinner was the culmination of the three-day AIBC Australia India International Business Summit held in Sydney.
AIBC was honoured to have The Hon. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, deliver the India Address. Senator Wong highlighted the strong “dosti” – friendship between the two nations which has endured for 75 years.
“Our relationship is built on many things, but fundamentally, it is built on shared interests. And it is why we think of our relationship as one of dosti – our friendship. So together, there is just so much that our two nations can achieve, and your work is central to that.
“Our partnership extends well beyond the bilateral because we share a region and that is being reshaped. Our relationship is profoundly important. It is profoundly important that countries with shared interests work together.”
The Summit showcased, “New India” highlighting new bilateral business opportunities across key sectors, with the participation of leaders from both the Australian and the Indian Governments, business leaders, AIBC members, AIBC business partners.
Welcoming Senator Wong, and other guests Jim Varghese AM, Immediate Past AIBC National Chair, said “AIBC applauds the Australian Indian diaspora celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence Day. There are no boundaries to the India Australia relationship. India is the right partner for Australia and Australian businesses must look to India as a market to supply rather than a market for consumption.”
Manpreet Vohra, High Commissioner of India in Australia, speaking at the event said, “India has emerged as the fastest economy in the world. As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence, India-Australia relations have strengthened during the last decade and upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“The ECTA is a watershed moment and opens large opportunities for businesses in both countries. It is time that Australian businesses appreciate New India. Even during the pandemic the Foreign Direct Investment in India by many countries has grown tremendously. It is time for business leaders to understand this potential India offers.
“I congratulate Australia India Business Council for the very well organised Australia India International Business Summit in this regard,” he said.
AIBC thanks all those who participated in the Summit, which focused on key sectors including education and the future of learning, defence, aerospace, cyber security, financial services, renewable energy, fintech, tourism and hospitality.
