The Australia India Business Council and Consulate General of India in Sydney recently hosted a high-level business delegation from Gujarat, India, led by Dr Anju Sharma, Chief Additional Secretary,Government of Gujarat, in the lead up to the Tenth Annual Vibrant Gujarat Summit 10-12 January 2024.
The delegation included senior business leaders from industries representing fintech & financial services, smart manufacturing, education, training and skills development, renewable energy, real estate and urban infrastructure, IT, metals and logistics.
The seminar was an opportunity for Australian businesses to meet the visiting delegates and learn more about bilateral business opportunities in Gujarat.
Dr Anju Sharma inviting AIBC National Associate Chair Irfan Malik for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit (Image: Vibrant Gujarat/X)
In the ongoing global economic landscape, India is making significant strides in economic development and emerging as a trusted partner for sustainable global supply chains. Besides the country’s business-friendly environment and growing consumer markets, major socio-economic developments are underway, making India one of the fastest growing countries globally.
In an exclusive interview with The Australia Today Dr Sharma said that Gujarat is the topmost FDI destination in India and has a business friendly government. She further added that Gujarat offers good infrastructure, peaceful industrial relations, business ecosystem and best return for your money.
She mentioned that the state has a investor facilitation portal which is a single window solution portal for businesses that want to set up shop with the process potentially taking as less as 15 days.
She particularly mentioned the Gujarati diaspora which she said were brand ambassadors for the state and their biggest strength.
Dr Anju Sharma inviting NSW MLC Scott Farlow and NSW MP Julia Finn for Vibrant Gujarat Summit at a reception hosted at NSW Parliament (Image: The Australia Today)
Dr Sharma also spoke about opportunities in the education and renewable energy sectors.
She mentioned that GIFT City is Gujarat is welcoming International Universities, that are in the top 500 in the world according to QS World University rankings, to open campuses there.
Earlier this year it was announced that Deakin University will be the first overseas university to establish a branch campus in India at Gujarat’s GIFT City. This will also be the first time that Deakin University will open a campus outside of Australia.
Speaking about renewable energy, Dr Sharma mentioned that Gujarat is a a power surplus state and a leader in this sector with around 46% of the state’s energy being generated from renewable energy.
Among the delegation from Gujarat was Adi Rishab Jain, Vice-President of Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University. He is also an alumni of LaTrobe University. He told The Australia Today about the bilateral opportunities in this sector.
Interview with Adi Rishab Jain
NSW has a sister state relationship with both Gujarat and Maharashtra. The delegation was also given a welcome reception at the NSW Parliament.
Raj Deepan (Partner – Private Advisory Grant Thorton) and former Federal Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb at NSW Parliament reception
Dr Anju Sharma inviting NSW MLC Rachel Merton to Vibrant Gujarat Summit
