Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

11-May-2011

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Anand Sharma has stressed India’s interest in building long-term relationships with Australia, especially in areas of mutual interest such as mineral resources, agriculture and clean energy. The Minister who is on a three day visit to Australia, met with and had substantive discussions with Mr. Kevin Rudd, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Joe Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Fisheries; Mr. Martin Ferguson, Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism; Mr. Stephen Smith, Minister for Defence; and Mr. Simon Crean, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government.

In his interactions with Australian leaders, Shri Sharma Shri Sharma also discussed the ongoing WTO negotiations, and the next G-20 Summit.

During the first leg of the visit, Shri Sharma addressed Australian and Indian business representatives, members of Australian government, and the Indian Diaspora on yesterday at Sydney. In his address, Shri Sharma commended the positive role being played by the entrepreneurial Indian diaspora in promoting a strong relationship and people-to-people linkages between the two countries.

Shri Sharma met with Premier Barry O’Farrell of New South Wales, the Australian state with the largest Indian diaspora, today. Shri Sharma congratulated Mr. O’Farrell on his party’s recent electoral success in NSW. The two leaders noted the significant contributions being made by the vibrant Indian community in New South Wales, and discussed issues of concern to the Indian community, which the government was addressing itself to, including the issue of safety of Indian students and the welfare of the Indian community.

In his keynote address at the 19th Australia India Joint Business Council Meeting in Sydney, Shri Sharma highlighted various aspects of India’s inclusive economic growth story and stated that the growing economic linkages between our two countries presented a solid foundation to build further on the many complementarities that existed between India and Australia. He called upon the industry and business chambers of the two countries to play a greater role in setting the agenda and to work together in realizing the significant potential in priority sectors for increase in bilateral trade & investment.

*****

DS
(Release ID :72076)

Economic partnership deepening with Australia to expand cooperation in resources, agriculture and address diaspora student safety. Shri Anand Sharma urged strengthening the Economic Partnership with Australia across mineral resources, agriculture and clean energy, promoting expanded trade and investment through government and industry cooperation, while also raising diaspora concerns including student safety and community welfare.