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27 November 2009
Australia builds on trading and education partnership with India
In an important step for the Australian-Indian relationship, the two countries have outlined a major expansion of the Austrade network in India.
Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean made the announcement today saying that the Australian Government has been determined to significantly build the relationship with India, a country which is important to Australian immigration and trade.
Currently, Indian nationals studying in Australia with an Australian Student Visa make up the second-largest group on international students in Australia’s multi-million dollar overseas education industry.
Many Indians who complete their studies in Australia take up an Australian Visa after graduating, an option that the Australian Government provides to retain skilled workers.
In 2008-2009, India was Australia’s fastest growing major two-way trading partner with total trade between the two nations jumping 55 per cent to A$21.7 billion.
“For the past two years this Government has been building and strengthening links with India and my first trip as Trade Minister featured a visit to the sub-continent,” Mr Crean said.
“Expanding economic links are a vital component in giving effect to the shared commitment to building the relationship.”
Mr Crean said there was significant untapped potential in the Indian market, and the two economies have complementary strengths that the expanded Austrade network will be seeking to explore.
Five new trade offices will be launched in India and another three existing operations will be expanded, a move that will give Australia the largest trade promotion network in Indian of any foreign country.
Under the planned expansion new Austrade offices will be established in Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kochi and Pune with offices in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata expanded.
The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their Australian Visa applications with the Australian High Commission in London.
