Peter Varghese AO, a former head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the creator of the Federal Government’s India Strategy, will lead a stellar list of speakers at the India Business Forum hosted by Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley tomorrow (May 3).
Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Dr Ajay Gondane, and Peter Baldwin, Commissioner in the Western Australian Government’s Mumbai office in India, will join Mr Varghese to focus on future economic opportunities in the trade relationship between WA and India.
In 2018, India was WA’s 10th biggest trading partner with total bilateral trade worth more than $3.8 billion. It was also WA’s sixth largest export market with an estimated value of $3.4 billion.
Top merchandise exports to India were commodities including gold, iron ore, crude petroleum, alumina, bauxite and copper.
India was the State’s 16th largest import market with a value of $173.5 million. The top imports were refined petroleum, manufactured base metals, specialised machinery, pearls and gems.
The McGowan Government has a vision to grow and diversify WA’s economy and create jobs – anticipating that improving trade links with India will support such outcomes.
Tomorrow’s forum is hosted in partnership with the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Australia India Business Council and the Consulate General of India, Perth.
Other speakers will include (but are not limited to) Australia India Business Council (WA) President Michael Carter; Perdaman Chair and Managing Director Vikas Rambal; Premium Grains Director John Orr; The Perth Mint Australia Sales and Business Development Manager Jerry Hicks; and Austrade State Director Jane Caforio.
As stated by Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley:
“Asian markets are set to dominate the global economy so in order for WA to succeed we need to do business in the world’s fastest growing and most competitive economic region – including India.
“India and WA are already strengthening economic links through trade and I welcome the opportunity to support the Australian-India business sector.”
