4 December 2023
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) held its NSW Annual Australia India Address and Gala Dinner recently at the Commbank Stadium Parramatta.
In his keynote address Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Trade and Tourism Minister said, “The ties between India and Australia had never been stronger, firstly through the Quad partnership, and more importantly, through the fantastic free trade agreement (AI ECTA) which has already delivered double the amount of trade between the two countries in the past ten months.” Minister Farrell said he was looking forward to “building the relationship on what we’ve got and making it even better.”
Guest of Honour, High Commissioner of India to Australia, Mr Manpreet Vohra said the two way trade, following the trade agreement had boosted bilateral business and investment and created new frontiers in this relationship.
More than 230 guests, representing government and industry leaders, AIBC business partners and members attended this special event which saw the launch of the first AIBC First Nations Roadmap, the culmination of a year’s consultations with over 150 stakeholders from businesses, peak bodies, and government agencies.
Co-authored by Indu Balachandran and Susan Moylan-Coombs, the roadmap presents AIBC’s priorities and actions for 2023-2026.
AIBC National Chair, Jodi McKay said the First Nations Roadmap was, “our commitment to being part of the education journey, as we recognise and celebrate Australia’s First Nations peoples, their history, and their place in trade and economy.”
Ms McKay said these were exciting times in the Australia India relationship, but she said, “There was a lot more to do, both in Australia and in India, and there were enormous opportunities on how we get the message across.”
The lively panel discussion moderated by Ms McKay, included Federal Member for Parramatta and Parliamentary Friends of India Chair, Andrew Charlton MP; Centre for Australia India Relations (CAIR) CEO Tim Thomas and Commbank General Manager, Business Banking Arnab Pal, who said the bank had seen a growth in start-ups and was involved in helping clients with trade and banking arrangements.
Mr Thomas said CAIR was dedicated to increasing the understanding of the economics of the bilateral relationship, most especially the people-to-people ties. He said there were massive opportunities awaiting Indian Australians.
Mr Charlton highlighted the importance of the Indian diaspora in binding the Australia India ties. He said we need to recognise the skills and qualifications of the diaspora so they can make a big contribution to Australia, and support them to be successful.
AIBC Associate Chair and NSW President, Irfan Malik said AIBC had been actively engaging with various stakeholders at government and industry levels and some of the engagements had led to new vistas of business opportunities for both nations.
Mr Malik thanked event partner Commbank, State Sponsor BDO Australia, National Sponsor NIB, corporate table sponsors, business partners and AIBC members and guests for their support in helping to celebrate one of the most important and successful events on the AIBC calendar.
About AIBC
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) is the leading business chamber dedicated to promoting the bilateral trade and investment relationship between Australia and India.
AIBC was established in 1986 by the then governments of Australia and India. It now has chapters in six Australian state capitals and a presence in India.
AIBC helps to shape policy and advocacy for promoting the bilateral business corridor, raising awareness about Australia-India trade and investment and facilitating business to business outcomes.
AIBC works closely with the federal and state governments in Australia and India, as well as with industry bodies, the diaspora, academia, and the community and media.
As a membership-driven, not-for-profit organisation, AIBC’s members and partners include some of the most respected names in business, industry and academia