NEW DELHI : Deakin University, Australia India Business Council Ltd Victoria Chapter (AIBC Vic) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) jointly hosted a CEO roundtable in Melbourne on 5th May 2022. The event was attended by CEOs and senior representatives of Australian businesses from across sectors. The prime objective of the roundtable was to gather intelligence from senior members of the industry and deliberate on the opportunities that must be considered whilst doing business in India in the light of the Australia India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).
The event witnessed participation from Hon Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer Mr Michael Sukkar MP and key representatives from industry, business and thought leaders across sectors of importance including Mr D D Saxena (Chairman CII IBF Australia and agriculture sector) Mr Ashok Mysore (Vice President Infosys), Mr Rajiv Mukerji (Vice President Tata Steel), Mr Leigh Obradovic (Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Toll Group), Mr Samir Vora (Executive Director, Adani Australia) and many more.
Speaking at the event, Hon Minister Michael Sukkar, emphasised “How this new free trade agreement with India will help deliver more Australian jobs and business opportunities for exporters, thereby bringing both countries closer together in a changing strategic environment.
I strongly feel that AIBC VIC should maintain close working relationships with its stakeholders including the Government of India, the Government of Australia and other industry actors. AIBC VIC should continue to work towards building platforms in facilitating and nurturing growth opportunities for business and investment between India and Australia.”
Jim Varghese, National Chair and Director, Australia India Business Council Ltd, added, “It is encouraging to see AIBC Vic along with Deakin University and CII leading this discussion around the road ahead for Australia India ECTA. Such a discussion is critical in driving an understanding of contemporary India in Australia and fostering business opportunities that Indian businesses have in Australia and vice versa.”
Mr Kean Selway, Executive Vice-President [Futures], Deakin University, said, “As a leading university in Victoria with over 28 years of presence in India, Deakin is in a position to play a leading role in catalysing initiatives such as this roundtable discussion. This roundtable is an opportunity for industries, businesses and thought leaders to come together to create channels for ease of doing business for Australian businesses in India and vice versa. With this initiative, Deakin is leading the way in setting the tone and direction for the Australia India bilateral trade relations story.”
The key takeaway from the discussions emphasised the critical role AIBC, CII, Austrade, and AICC play in assisting businesses from both countries and how can help navigate business partnering opportunities across the sectors of importance.
