Queensland and India: Unlocking a new era of opportunities

Date : 21 March 2023

Location : Shangri-La, Bengaluru

The Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce (IACC) in collaboration with Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) organised an Exclusive Business Engagement with The Hon Cameron Dick MP, Treasurer and Minister for Trade & Investment, Queensland Government, in Bengaluru on 21 March 2023. The Hon Minister delivered a brilliant keynote address highlighting Queensland’s pro-business approach, robust economy, excellent quality of life and how it’s become a preferred destination for new opportunities/partnerships in minerals, resources (including green hydrogen), education, R&D/innovation, agribusiness, among other priority sectors. The Minister appreciated the Chamber and its leadership’s role in facilitating business engagement/dialogue and the support provided to TIQ.

Queensland’s exports to India are higher than any other Australian state. Also, in 2021-22 India was Queensland’s second largest export partner, valued at A$ 19.4 billion. Brisbane (the capital city of Queensland) will be the host city for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

The session & panel discussion ‘Queensland & India: Unlocking a New Era of Opportunities’ was curated and moderated by Ms. Petula Thomas, CEO, IACC. Welcome Remarks were delivered by Mr. Gaven Standon, President, IACC and Executive Partner Ecosystem, Telstra and the Opening Address was delivered by Dr. Monica Kennedy, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) representing the Australian Government in India at the event.

Panelists included Ms. Gunjan Krishna IAS, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Karnataka, Mr. Justin McGowan, CEO, TIQ, Mr. Abhinav Bhatia, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner – South Asia, TIQ, Mr. Ravin Mirchandani, Chairperson, Ador & Acusensus & QUT (Queensland University of Technology) Alumnus, Mr. Manoj Paul, Country Manager, Heat And Control (South Asia) Private Limited, Mr. Muralidhar CS, SVP & Delivery Head, Financial Services – Asia Pacific & Middle East, HCL Tech.

Ms. Thomas highlighted during the event that TIQ, a Corporate Patron/Lifetime member of the Chamber has not just elevated their relationship with the Chamber in the last 1-2 years but have raised its profile with industry and continue to create noticeable impact and commercial engagement/outcomes. She congratulated the Queensland Government, Mr. Abhinav Bhatia, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner – South Asia & his team in India who do a stellar job to support the bilateral economic relationship. The Minister and his team as well as panelists/speakers enjoyed interacting and meeting with participants at this exclusive breakfast meet.