City leaders on a passage to India

GEELONG will sell itself to the Asian sub-continent as part of a state-backed super trade mission to India in March.
Mayor Keith Fagg and Committee for Geelong chairman Michael Betts have thrown their weight behind the delegation, saying it was critical to business and job prospects for the region.
The trade mission, hot on the heels of a State Government mission to China in September, will flog the wares of Geelong and the state across automotive, aviation, aerospace, tourism, education, ICT and other sectors.
The mission follows a trade party to India in February that generated new sales tipped to be more than $355 million over a two-year period.
Cr Fagg said India presented huge prospects for Geelong.
He wanted to see the region’s business sector dealing more with the country.
“I visited India a few years ago and I know what a massive economy it has,” Cr Fagg said.
“I’d like to think there are opportunities for Geelong businesses to connect with India in some way.
“I’d like to see us engage with India and others in the Asian sub-continent – the City’s participation itself would require the matter going to council – but in principle I hope there are opportunities for Geelong.”
Mr Betts said Committee for Geelong would encourage members to join the delegation.
“Feedback suggests it’s not so much contacts with the local population but contacts with other people on trade missions that can prove really valuable, by being able to speak people already well versed customs and procedures.”