Australia explores investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: In order to explore business opportunities in the field of agriculture and dairy in Madhya Pradesh, Australian High Commissioner Patrick Suckling today held discussion with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

"Like Australia, Madhya Pradesh is also an arid soil zone. Australia may become partner of Madhya Pradesh by disseminating farming techniques in arid areas. It can also extend cooperation in dairy and other allied, micro irrigation and sports," an official release quoted Chouhan as saying.

The Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is the fastest growing state in the country.

The growth rate of Madhya Pradesh is 11.08 per cent and agriculture growth rate 24.99 per cent. Milk production growth rate in the state is over 8 per cent and efforts are on to further increase it. The state is making all endeavours to increase farmers' income, he told the Australian High Commissioner.

Chouhan thanked Australia for becoming a partner in Global Investors Summit. He also suggested that the Australian delegation led by its Commerce and Investment Minister to New Delhi in January should also visit Bhopal.

Suckling said that cooperation is possible between Australia and Madhya Pradesh in sectors like dairy, storage, transport and mining.

"Better work has also been done in Australia in infrastructure and water management sectors. Madhya Pradesh may seek collaboration from an Australian state with similar geographical conditions like Queensland," he said.

Work can also be done in tandem by focusing on some other sectors. Several major Australian companies are investing in India and they can be informed about investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh, he added.