Australia To Partner With India To Accelerate Economic Growth.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised an interactive session with Dr. Lachlan Straham, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission. The session focused on exploring new business avenues through mutually beneficial partnerships between India and Australia. The session was chaired by Mr. Alok Saxena, Vice Chairman- CII UP Council. Key members of the confederation participated in the discussion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Lachlan Strahan, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission said “Australia and India have always had a robust and dynamic economic association. It has grown stronger over the past few years following India’s rapid economic and strategic growth. In the present date, India is not only the fourth largest export market for Australia but it is also the fastest growing one. Uttar Pradesh, being the most populous state and also politically the most powerful one, is one of our strategic markets. We are looking at meeting people from universities, think tanks and other organizations to get different view points.”

Leading the session, Mr. Alok Saxena, Vice Chairman- CII UP Council said “The bilateral economic relationship between our countries is fairly strong but still has considerable potential to expand. A feasibility study shows that both countries would gain 30 billion Australian Dollars over the next twenty years once the trade barriers are lowered. Just yesterday, it had been in the news that India and Australia are all set to open negotiations on free trade. These talks are just the beginning and we hope for a strong and lasting relationship with industry players in Australia.”

The key issues discussed during the session revolved around knowledge partnerships, policy issues and the kind of value additions which each country can provide to the other. Australia is also looking at creating a CEO Forum for exchange of ideas and business opportunities between the two countries. The other members of CII present during the session shared their views about the potential that lies in Uttar Pradesh with Dr. Strahan.

Source : orissadiary.com