Joint Statement
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Gareth Evans
Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan
5 December 1995
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Gareth Evans, and the Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan, released details of the promotion at the National Trade and Invetment Outlook Conference in Melbourne today.
The Ministers said Australia India- New Horizons will be held in New Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, Bangalore and Chandigarh in October and November 1996.
"Australia India- New Horizons will provide Indian decision makers and opinion leaders with a clear picture of contemporary Australia as a technologically advanced, internationally competitive, and multicultural society," the Ministers said.
"India is emerging as one of the world's most dynamic economies".
"To maximise opportunities for Australian business, the program will promote Australia trade and investment with India, with the centrepeice being high-level business forums in New Delhi and Bombay.
"We will highlight Australia's world class capabilities and competitiveness in a number of industries which are crucial to India's rapidly developing economy.
"Australia is a world leader in areas such as infrastructure, mining technology, agribusiness, telecommunications and information technology, financial services, transport, and energy and related fields, especially clean coal technology and environmental management.
"Australia India- New Horizons will show India what Australia has to offer in these fields" the Ministers said.
Australia has already built a strong presence in India.
Autralian investment is more than $400 million, and Australian firms have negotiated more than 80 joint ventures in India.
Two-way trade of $1.5 billion includes Australian exports of close to $1 billion, which Austrade predicts could reach $2 billion within five years.
"The Australian India- New Horizons promotion will create an ideal platform for more Australian firms to explore new business opportunities with India" the Ministers said.
Australia firms wanting to explore the Indian market now have the support of anexpanded network of Austrade offices in India.
"In the past six months, Austrade has opened new offices in Madras, Calcutta and Bangalore to supplement existing office in New Delhi and Bombay".
In addition to the major business forums, highlights include:
"We want to project a complete picture of contemporary Australia.
"To give Indians a fuller appreciation of our society, the promotion will encompass science and technology, education, sport, public policy and culture".
The cultural component will feature the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Bangarra Dance Company, Circus Oz, and a major Aboriginal exhibtion from the National Gallery of Australia.
The curtain raiser to Australia India-New Horizons will be a tour by the Australian cricket team to India in October 1996.
Further information:
Senator Evans' office: Margot Marshall, (06) 277 7500
Senator McMullan's office: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420,
DFAT: Gai Brodtmann, 015 955 509, (06) 261 3890
DFAT: Tony Greneger, 015 955 509, (06) 261 3890
Austrade: Nick Owens, 018 273 654, (02) 3902735