The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) NSW 2015 Annual Australia India Address, highlighted the unrealised potential for business and investment opportunities between Australia and India.

Over 250 business leaders, AIBC members and associates and distinguished guests attended the event at Four Seasons Sydney. Among the speakers were, the Hon Christopher Pyne, Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, His Excellency Navdeep Suri, High Commissioner of India to Australia, the Hon John Ajaka, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, officially representing the Hon Mike Baird MP, NSW Premier and Mr. Sunjay Sudhir, Consul General of India, Sydney.

Also present at the dinner were the former NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell; Hon. Pru Goward MP Minister for Women; Dr Geoff Lee, MP Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism;  Glenn McGrath, Australian Cricketing Great; Ms Annette Pinder, Executive Manager, Migrant Financial Services, CBA; among other senior stakeholders from business and government.

Delivering the Keynote Address, Mr. Christopher Pyne said, “Our relationship with India has been underdone over the years, but I don’t think that’s going to be the case now and into the future…Prime Minister Modi granted me a one-on-one meeting which I think speaks volumes about his attitude to the future relationship with Australia.”

While trade and business ties were the focus of the event, an ‘Up, Close and Personal’ interview by Sheba Nandkeolyar, AIBC National vice chair with Mr. Sunjay Sudhir, Consul General of India, Sydney provided an opportunity to understand Consul General’s views on Mr. Modi’s dynamic government and a host of other personal insights.

AIBC National Chairman, Dipen Rughani’s conversation with Australian Cricketing Great, Glenn McGrath added a much loved cricket flavour to this business event.

AIBC NSW President, Mr. Raja Venkateswar welcomed everyone to this annual event in the Australia India business.

Mr. Venkateswar said, “I think the time has come for that great leap of faith, the leap from mediocrity to excellence; from unambitious existence to remarkable success.”

Irish expat and film industry entity, Deborah Bradshaw was Master of Ceremonies at this event and kept the audience engaged with her wit and humour.

The AIBC NSW Annual Address drew attention to the fact that the Australia-India business relationship is now entering a golden period due to the FTA/CECA discussions which are expected to see fruition by end of the year. This means a plethora of opportunities for the Australian Indian business relationship.