In just a couple of weeks, Geelong will host senior leaders from India in a forum to champion collaboration, trade and investment.
The three-day Geelong-India Collaborative Futures Forum will bring together diplomats, educators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders in technology, innovation, agribusiness and film.
We are proud to be hosting the Consul General of India, Shri Anish Rajan, following his appointment to the role just last month.
The Consul General in Chennai, Silai Zaki, will also dial into the roundtable discussion to share her insights on bilateral relations, trade and investment ties between Australia and India.
And we are honoured to welcome Geelong’s Aamir Qutub, an award-winning entrepreneur, business leader and AI strategist, who will share how he built his million-dollar tech company from his garage.
The program will feature tours of Geelong, networking sessions, gala events and entertainment to recognise the growing relationship between our region and India.
To have so many key representatives from both the Geelong and Indian economies in the one place will be a significant win for our city.
This forum is the natural next step in strengthening our ties with India. Last June we hosted the inaugural Geelong India Business Roundtable, which was a huge success.
In August of last year, we continued to strengthen these bonds, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australia India Business Council to strengthen cultural, educational and trade links.
Through those events, I made a commitment to build on our relationship with India and explore new ways of working together, so I’m proud to be delivering on that next month knowing the benefits it will have for our community.
Building a respectful and reciprocal connection with India reflects population trends and economic potential in Greater Geelong.
The 2021 Census shows 17.7 per cent of people in the region were born overseas, with 5,097 residents born in India – more than double the number recorded in 2016.
Those living here have contributed immeasurably to our local economy, with a range of successful start-ups calling Geelong home.
Last year’s roundtable participants heard from Abhay Sinha, the managing director at Care Essentials, a shining example of what can be achieved for businesses considering India as a key export market from here in Geelong.
Care Essentials was crowned winner of the 2023 Exporter of the Year at the Australian Export Awards and demonstrates how prospective businesses can capitalise on our local manufacturing success and go to scale in global markets.
I look forward to hearing more success stories coming out of the forum, and the conversations that will spark future collaboration opportunities.
This forum would not have been possible without significant support from Cultura,
The Gordon TAFE, The Geelong Gallery, Geelong Regional Library Corporation, Deakin University, Geelong Manufacturing Council, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Global Victoria, Elstone Diving Services, Merv Jennings Signs, Platform Arts, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and National Wool Museum. The involvement of these key industry leaders and their commitment to this event speak volumes about how highly they value these opportunities.
This forum will mark another step in our region’s ability to think beyond its borders. I have always believed this mindset will be the core to our region’s future success.
We’re a globally connected city and council will continue to advocate for Geelong as a fantastic place to live, learn and do business.
