The Queensland-India Trade & Investment Strategy 2023-27 was launched in Brisbane on 2 August at the Australia India Business Council’s (AIBC) Australia India Address.
India is Queensland’s second-largest export market and this relationship is built on a foundation of economic and institutional linkages, people-to-people ties, and a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The strategy has identified opportunities in specific sectors and outlined strategic priorities and actionable initiatives.
These include forging ties with key states in India to create commercial opportunities, enhancing aviation links, building connections with Indian industry for education and training, launching the flagship India Growth Program and mobilizing the diaspora.
Jodi McKay, National Chair of AIBC, said in a statement:
“the new strategy sets a bold path to diversifying Queensland’s trade offering. Sport and tourism are also included in the strategy – which is cruicial in the lead up to Brisbane hosting the Olympic Games.”
In his special video message, Manpreet Vohra, the Indian High Commissioner to Australia, commended the Queensland government for the focused strategy.
The Hon Cameron Dick MP, Treasurer & Minister for Trade & Investment, Queensland, led the development of the strategy.
Delivering the keynote address in the presence of over 150 business and sports leaders, academia, and entrepreneurs, Minister Cameron Dick observed:
“In partnering with India, we will continue to build a platform for state-wide economic growth and development. This strategy elevates our world class sectors, allowing us to partner with India in shared prosperity and security.”
The Hon Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement was also present at the launch.
A special panel was moderated by Peter Varghese AO, Chancellor of the University of Queensland, on making the strategy come alive and touching on the potential for sports in the bilateral relationship.
Panelists included Jess Jonassen – Australian cricketer; Jodi McKay – National Chair, AIBC; Paul Henry – Managing Director APAC & Founder, Populous; and Tim Thomas – CEO, Centre for Australia India Relations provided unique and precious insights for succeeding in this corridor.
The Indian economy is ten times the size of Queensland and the Indian diaspora has grown to over 90,000, making it the second-largest non-European diaspora in the State.
