Australia Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane embarks on India visit

MELBOURNE: Australian Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane is leading the largest-ever delegation of skills and training experts to India to encourage greater collaboration between the two nations in the sector.

Macfarlane said over 100 representatives from across the industry and training sector were travelling with him to build new connections.

" Australia wants to further enhance our global partnerships on skills and training and this delegation has the experience and expertise to help achieve this goal," he said.

"India needs thousands of additional trainers and assessors as it strives to skill 500 million people by 2022 and Australia is a nation with training expertise," he said.

"The Governments of both countries are encouraging skills cooperation and laying the foundation for greater collaboration and development of commercial opportunities between Australian and Indian industry and training providers."

Macfarlane is expected to deliver a major speech to the Indian Industry's Global Skills Summit in Mumbai and host a business roundtable.

He is also delivering a keynote address to the third India Australia Skills Conference - Skills for Better Business.

The Minister will also launch an innovative vocational education and training pilot programme to be trialled in India over the next 12 months.

During his November 10-11 visit, Macfarlane will meet his resources and energy, and science and technology counterparts in India.