Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to open a new Indian Consulate-General in Brisbane.
Premier Palaszczuk said in a statement:
“I’m extremely pleased with Mr Modi’s announcement India will open a Consulate-General in Brisbane. This is something I know our Indian communities have long wanted, further cementing the closeness of our peoples.”
This announcement followed a business event in Sydney which was attended by the Premier at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement:
“Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Australia has strengthened the close and strong relationship that Australia enjoys with India. This is a relationship we need to invest in. Our strong partnership with India will deliver benefits for Australia in trade, investment and business, and in regional security and stability.”
Premier Palaszczuk added:
“It was my honour to represent Queensland at last night’s very important meeting with Prime Minister Modi where I was able to promote our state’s interests. We have a special relationship with India which will play a vital role in our future.”
The relationship between Queensland and India has been strengthened by this announcement as the new consulate will reinforce the trade partnership between Queensland and India.
In March, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick led a Trade Delegation to India to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will develop aerospace and defence manufacturing in Queensland.
Ten of Queensland’s universities joined the Treasurer at an Education Fair in Mumbai to develop education relationships, with more than 10,400 people from India studying in the Sunshine State.
India is Queensland’s second-largest trading partner with exports worth $19 billion in the 12 months to March, representing an increase of 29 per cent or $4.5 billion.
Last year, India bought more metallurgical coal from Queensland than Korea and Japan combined.
Premier Palaszczuk observed:
“India is the fastest-growing major economy on the planet and, by 2030, it will be the world’s third largest economy. Trade means jobs for Queenslanders which is why it was so important I attended the meeting.”
Queensland recognised the importance of India and was committed to further strengthening the Queensland–India relationship, which is highlighted by the Queensland Government Trade and Investment Strategy 2018-2023.
This strategy was successful in assisting Queensland businesses to engage with India and is being refreshed to further grow the state’s presence and profile, fostering relationships, business development and investment.