Monday, 22 August 2011
The City of Melbourne has endorsed a draft plan that will seek to strengthen business ties with India.
The International Engagement Framework Draft India Statement recommends focussing on Melbourne’s capabilities in sustainability and environment protection services, professional services, education, tourism and creative industries for business development activities.
Future Melbourne (Economic Development and Knowledge City) Committee Chair, Councillor Kevin Louey said the City of Melbourne already had a strong working relationship with India and this engagement framework would ensure it continued to grow.
“The City of Melbourne has had a strategic alliance with New Delhi since 2008 – the only one of its kind in Australia. Mumbai is also a member of our Business Partner Cities network and there are great business opportunities to be sought through this relationship.
“This draft statement outlines our past engagement with India and also our future plans, focussing in particular on business development activities in major Indian cities including New Delhi and Mumbai,” Cr Louey said.
“Melbourne’s Indian population is becoming much stronger. The number of new migrants to Melbourne with Indian ancestry has increased significantly in the last five years, while the number of tourists from India to Australia has grown by 14 per cent since 2007.
“India is Australia’s fifth largest trading partner, and through this engagement, we plan to focus on three key goals – building economic prosperity, facilitating learning and supporting community, cultural and civic links.”
The draft statement is currently open for public comment. Council invites submission from relevant business, community and cultural groups by 30 September.
To view the statement and for information on how to provide your feedback, visit City of Melbourne strengthens India ties.