The State Government has renewed its India Engagement Strategy, to strengthen opportunities for South Australian exporters to expand their businesses and create jobs.
Minister for Investment and Trade, Martin Hamilton-Smith said the State’s relationship with India has evolved since the release of its India Engagement Strategy in 2012.
“This refinement of the original strategy will prepare South Australian businesses to embrace new opportunities that stem from our evolving relationship with India,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“We have listened to exporters and updated the strategy’s priorities to help build on existing partnerships and seize new opportunities for collaboration.”
Key changes to the India Engagement Strategy include:
- Prioritisation of a new sister-State relationship with Rajasthan.
- Greater recognition of the opportunities for South Australian services exports in India.
- A reinvigorated platform of engagement comprising business missions, a new business education program, greater connections with the Indian diaspora in South Australia and activation of the South Australia Club in India; and
- Building stronger awareness of South Australia’s brand in India.
“Since development of the original strategy, changes have taken place in the domestic economy, including our new priorities, which have an emphasis on promoting the State’s international connections and engagement,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“Major reforms have also occurred in India after the 2014 election of the Modi Government.
“We have identified a Government-to-Government approach as being effective in providing opportunities for commercial and cultural engagement.
“Education and training is a sector that presents many opportunities for increased engagement and partnerships between India and South Australia.
“India is South Australia’s second largest source of international students with more than 3489 students enrolled to study here, and all three of our universities are currently collaborating on research projects with leading Indian universities.
“Education, skills and innovation are critical to our efforts to create business and employment opportunities in our State and with India.”
Achievements under the strategy include the establishment of a dedicated team with expert staff in South Australia and in India as well as the most successful and largest business mission to India last August.
South Australian companies have also benefited from the increased engagement with India, with many companies establishing successful partnerships with Indian counterparts.
“This year we have established an extensive business mission program that will not only see the State Government lead a mission to India, but also to China, South East Asia, the Middle East and the North Atlantic regions,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“It is this momentum that is supporting our endeavours to effectively engage with international neighbours for the mutual benefit of our regions.”
India is South Australia’s sixth largest export partner, with exports valued at $736 million (12 months to January 2016).
“I encourage South Australian companies to register their interest for this exciting opportunity.”
To register for the August India business mission visit: www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/business-missions
To view the South Australia-India Engagement Strategy visit: www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/india