South Australia’s water management expertise are being put to work in India, with several key initiatives significantly progressed during the South Australian Government trade mission to India this week.
Leading the latest mission, Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith said SA has facilitated funding for 12 water management fellowships that will see qualified water management experts and/or students from Rajasthan gain placements at a South Australian research institution.
Earlier in the week, state government and water industry representatives met with the Government of Maharashtra to start discussions on a new water centre of excellence in Mumbai which will have a focus on the commercialisation of water technologies in both India and SA.
Background
India is home to 16 per cent of the world’s population, but has just four per cent of the world’s fresh water at its disposal, leading to challenges in water management, especially in the driest states, including the driest of all – Rajasthan.
Estimates of the potential Indian water market worth are around $9.77 billion, with around 40 per cent of total capital expenditure in the country likely to be on water infrastructure over coming years.
The Rajasthan Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Management will be an internationally recognised centre for leadership and innovation in water resource management, education, training and research and linking to South Australian water capability.
The South Australia-India Engagement Strategy recognises important sectors of strength including clean technology, aerospace and defence, energy and natural resources, education, agribusiness food and wine. Read more here.
Quotes attributable to Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith
I am pleased that during this mission we have been able to further strengthen South Australia’s partnership with India in sustainable water management.
South Australia has a long and proud history of engagement with India, and we share similar challenges in the water sector which have led to this opportunity to share expertise to deliver specific solutions to water issues.
The Rajasthan Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Management is an important step in enabling the export of South Australian water management knowledge and services to India and the proposed new centre in Mumbai will facilitate the next phase of internationally competitive water technology and services from our State.
Quotes attributable to Water and the River Murray Minister Ian Hunter
The significant gains made in establishing genuine and mutually beneficial water partnerships between Rajasthan and India over the last two years will provide a lasting foundation for water industry participation in the Indian market.
Partnerships such as this recognise the world leading water management capability that exists in South Australia and our collaborative approach to water across government, industry, research institutions and training organisations.
While also enabling local access to the growing Indian water market, South Australia’s work in Rajasthan is delivering real improvements to the quality of life to communities in this region.