On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Morry Morgan, the Chief Operating Officer of the Australia India Chamber of Commerce, attended a pivotal government roundtable discussion hosted at Telstra Tower in Melbourne. This significant event saw Morgan and other prominent figures meet with Tim Watts, the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The roundtable, a collaborative effort supported by the Business Council of Australia and the Australia-India CEO Forum, was organised in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It was an integral part of the Australian Government’s consultations on for 'A New Roadmap for Australia’s Economic Engagement with India'.
The agenda of the meeting focused on the critical themes of technology and innovation, which are central to the economic relationship between Australia and India. This relationship has been identified as a cornerstone for future opportunities and growth. During the session, participants, including Morry Morgan, were invited to share their insights and perspectives on how to strengthen and expand this bilateral economic engagement.
Assistant Minister Tim Watts underscored the importance of this initiative, emphasising that India, now the world’s fifth-largest economy, plays an increasingly vital role in the region. The discussions at the roundtable aimed to address the myriad factors reshaping the regional landscape, such as climate change, geopolitical shifts, and evolving global supply chains.
The new Roadmap for Australia’s Economic Engagement with India aims to build on the foundations laid by Mr. Peter Varghese in his landmark Indian Economic Strategy of 2018. It seeks to forge new areas of cooperation, focusing on the burgeoning opportunities presented by India's rapidly growing middle class, its embrace of technology, renewable energy initiatives, and the demand for top-tier education services and tourism experiences.
Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, had previously announced the opening of public consultations for the Roadmap on May 20. These consultations invite stakeholders with interests in the Australia-India economic relationship to contribute their views and suggestions. Submissions are being accepted until August 5, providing a critical opportunity for stakeholders like the Australia India Chamber of Commerce and others to influence the strategic direction of this important bilateral partnership.