Australia state launches 'Engaging India' plan to boost trade ties

Highlighting the "close" business ties it enjoyed with India, Australian state of Victoria today launched a new multi-million dollar 4-year strategy aimed at further boosting its trade relations with New Delhi, including through job creation and more investment opportunities. 

Victorian premier John Brumby, who launched the initiative 'Engaging India' along with state trade minister Jacinta Allan and Indian envoy Anita Nayar, said it would boost his region's industry and trade jobs by helping companies seize opportunities in India.

"Victoria and India enjoy a long standing relationship based on mutual respect and common interests and this plan is about building on those strong business and community links to drive more jobs, opportunities and business growth for our state," he said.

"Engaging India is the first dedicated Indian trade strategy and outlines key actions to drive the close business and cultural relationships between Victoria and India to create new jobs and build on our reputation as a leading destination for international education and business investment," he said.

Brumby further elaborated that by focussing on various industries like ICT, biotech, urban development, freight and logistics, aviation and aerospace, tourism, education in key Indian regions including Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore the Victorian companies would see more exports and investment opportunities.

According to the state trade and industry minister, the new plan was to drive new investment by Indian firms in Victoria.

The key actions under the new plan would include Super Trade Mission of 200 Victorian companies, with a funding of four million (Aus) dollars. 

Besides, one million dollars for 10 PhD scholarships for Indian students to study at Victorian universities, an additional grant to launch the Chair in Contemporary Indian Studies and one million dollars for Engaging India programme to provide grants to programmes to support greater community, cultural and artistic exchange between India and Victoria, would be provided.