Senator Richard Colbeck said Australia and India’s trade relationship has the opportunity to continue to strengthen and grow.
Senator Richard Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, has returned from a week-long trade mission to India with a positive outlook on a potential a Free Trade Agreement with India.
The event, Australian Business Week in India (ABWI), was attended by about 450 people including representatives of Australia's food, beverage, fibre and textile industries, and the Australian and Indian governments.
“We have a real opportunity to expand trade both ways and I believe our trade relationship can continue to strengthen and grow beyond ABWI – to the mutual benefit of farmers and producers in Australia, and farmers, producers and consumers in India,” Colbeck said.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have said publicly that they want to lock in a free trade deal by the end of the year.
“It was a real privilege to be involved in discussions that will give Australian exporters, our food and beverage, and innovative agricultural technology companies an opportunity to engage with the important trade market in India,” Colbeck said.
“India is a significant and rapidly developing market – it was worth over $675 million in Australia's agricultural, fishery and forestry exports in 2013-14. There is an opportunity to assist with development and then expand with the growth of the market.
“Tapping into overseas business environments can be daunting and the Australian Government understands this. We remain committed to assisting our primary industries to help build Australia's reputation as a reliable and consistent exporter of quality food and fibre.”
Senator Colbeck attended high-level meetings with key industry members and participated in forums and bi-lateral talks on future opportunities for agriculture, textile, food and grocery trade.
“I was fortunate to speak at a number of key events to promote Australia's food and beverage and dairy industries. I heard with interest about India's national dairy plan and was able to reinforce how Australia can be a partner in helping achieve these goals,” Colbeck said.
Australian Business Week in India agricultural activities were hosted across the major cities of New Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad from 10-16 January.