MEDIA RELEASE
The Australia India Institute is honoured to host federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Dan Tehan, as the keynote speaker for the official launch of the India Economic Strategy Update report at the University of Melbourne.
Minister Tehan will also engage in a Q&A with the Australia India Institute’s Chief Executive Officer, the Hon Lisa Singh, and Chief Executive, Business Council of Australia Jennifer Westacott AO, discussing how the strategy will contribute to Australia’s economic partnership with India.
The Institute’s CEO, Hon Lisa Singh, said the IES has created a blueprint for the future of our economic engagement and remains a key framework for driving the Australia-India relationship forward.
“The India Economic Strategy, published in 2018 under the authorship of Peter Varghese AO, laid the foundation for a stronger Australia and India economic partnership,” Ms Singh said. “This Update from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides the necessary focus for a long-term bilateral relationship in a post-pandemic world.
“Since its publication, we have also seen the launch of the reciprocal Australia Economic Strategy report in 2020, authored by Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, former Indian Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs. These two blueprints truly demonstrate the commitment both countries seek in strengthening economic ties,” she said.
During the event, Ms Singh will launch the Institute’s new Strategic Plan: Building a Dynamic and Enduring Partnership, which she said complimented the framework of the IES.
“The IES has helped inform our new five-year strategy through the development of our program areas of security and geopolitics, bilateral economy, and cultural diplomacy.
“I look forward to the Institute working with the Australian Government with new energy and engagement to deliver on these new initiatives in the IES Update”, Ms Singh said.
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Michael Wesley said the University valued the Australia India Institute’s efforts to strengthen the enduring partnership between the two nations.
“The Australia-India relationship is an area of growing collaboration and cooperation for our University, greatly benefiting our research work and the dynamism of our student community and culture,” Professor Wesley said.
For media inquiries call Sarah Whyte on 0481 484 571