AIBC hosts virtual celebration of India's Republic Day and Australia Day

The AIBC NSW and Qld State Chapters jointly hosted a special Virtual Event on 26 January 2022, to celebrate Australia Day and commemorate India’s Republic Day and 75 years of Indian Independence. The well-attended event, brought together government and business representatives from Australia and India, as well as Indigenous business leaders, AIBC members and sponsors.

Irfan Malik, AIBC NSW State Chapter President and Co-Host of the evening with Indu Balachandran, AIBC NSW Management Committee member, in his Welcome Address said this was an important day when Australia and India had come together to connect, reflect and be part of their shared vision to shape their future. “The core theme of the event is celebrating and fostering Australia India bilateral People to People Connect to Enable Business to Business Outcomes and Impact, and never before have Australia and India been so close in multicultural and bilateral opportunities. I want to also introduce the smiles framework. Whenever there are bilateral opportunities, there’s a focus on the SMILES framework which recognises small, medium and large enterprises, but also indigenous businesses and startups as well. AIBC has a strong focus on indigenous business collaboration and support, and I'm pleased to welcome some of our indigenous business leaders today.”

Indu Balachandran said the AIBC promoted business engagement across nations very much through relationships between people and hoped this was the start of connecting Indian, Australian and First Nations people who have a vision of collaboration that will lead to strong cultural, economic and social outcomes. “Having worked for many years in indigenous businesses, social enterprises and within indigenous communities. I believe that Indian and indigenous businesses must and will trade. We will trade and share stories and cultural knowledge. And within all those, I think will be the strongest shared future for this nation.”

In his Welcome to Country Address Steven Coghill, Indigenous Affairs Advisor at Santos, Brisbane, thanked the AIBC for incorporating the indigenous perspective on this Australia survival day and mentioned his connection to his place of birth was the same as that of his father, and those of his ancestors, who all had a traditional, custodial attachment and responsibility to southeast Queensland. He said, “First Nations people, and Torres Strait Islander people, have been involved in the economic development of this nation and continue to explore opportunities to improve our economic outcomes. Indigenous people are always exploring prospects of political, economic and cultural integrity.”

In his Keynote Address Jim Varghese AM, AIBC National Chair, acknowledged the importance of indigenous representation at the event and also acknowledge Florence Drummond as the first elected AIBC indigenous executive committee member from Western Australia. “AIBC had over 35 years of promoting trade and Investment with a focussed and visionary approach of building partnerships and collaborations. We have further strengthened our bilateral business commitment by establishing the Australia India Business Enterprise (AIBE) the commercial arm of AIBC. AIBC maintains a close relationship with the state and federal governments of Australia and India and industry. With chapters in every state and the ACT, national industry chapters representing a range of industry including Agribusiness, Defence & Security, Education & Skills Development, Infrastructure, Financial services, Healthcare, ICT & Digital, Make in India and Women in Business. Going forward AIBC will continue to work towards building stronger platforms in facilitating and nurturing growth opportunities for business and investment between Australia and India.”

Congratulating the AIBC on this prestigious event Manish Gupta, Consul General of India, Sydney, said bilateral ties between India and Australia had grown from strength to strength. “The comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries and regular high level interactions between our Prime Ministers are indicative of this relationship. The determination of both governments is to conclude a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement by the end of the year. This offers valuable opportunities to both Indian and Australian businesses.”

In her video message, Archana Singh Consul General of India, Brisbane, said over time the shared values and the shared commitment to liberal democratic ideals. “We are natural partners, on the cricket field or in the field of trade and commerce. I acknowledge the great work that has been done by all on both sides and look forward to the future, as the possibilities are limitless. Members of the Indian diaspora and Indian businesses, who now call Queensland home, must be congratulated for their contribution to our robust society.”

Through a video message from Chennai, Sarah Kirlew Australian Consul General, South India, said the shared national day was just one of the many wonderful connections Australia had with India. “The elevation of the Australia India bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership reflects the strategic connection we find about in our values and interests in a rapidly changing world. On the trade and economic front, New South Wales and its businesses are strongly represented here in South India, as well as Indian companies with a large investment presence in NSW. The NSW Government will also be appointing a local trade commissioner in Bengaluru, joining our growing presence there, with the trade office soon to be upgraded to a full Consulate General.”