100 Australian organisations expected to visit India in March

MELBOURNE: More than 100 Australian organisations are expected to visit India in March this year to further enhance and develop business links with India.

The latest trade mission is a part of Victorian government initiative, Trade Engagement Program - India ( TEPI), specially designed to strengthen trade relations with the subcontinent, according an official statement.

Under the initiative, Victorian businesses exhibit their expertise in the key industry sectors including automotive, aviation and aerospace, cleantech, education, film, financial services, food and beverage, ICT, life sciences, sustainable urban design and tourism.

The programme has been aimed to strengthen industry and government relationships, introduce Victorian companies to India, develop collaboration and partnership projects between Victoria and India, increase Victorian exports into India and increase the flows of investment from India to Victoria, statement said.

The latest trade delegation would be visiting from March 11-15.

In February 2012, the Victorian government led a Super Trade Mission that was said to generate anticipated additional sales of over $355 million over the next two years, it said.

This year's delegations will include sectors of strategic importance to Victoria and India including automotive, aviation and aerospace, biotech, cleantech, education, food and beverage, ICT, infrastructure and tourism.

Trade mission participants will be introduced to potential qualified customers, business partners and investors, and also have the opportunity to showcase their organisational capabilities.

India is currently Australia's fastest growing export market, having grown at an average annual rate of 25 per cent since 2005, the statement added.