AIBC playing an important role in Indo-Australian trade relations

sheba

Sheba Nandkeolyar, President Australia India Business Council , shares her thoughts on the activities of AIBC and what it has achieved last year and is set to achieve this year.

She says, “We had a range of activities for our members and also worked closely with the NSW Government through the Premier’s Office, NSW Government Trade & Investment offices, Austrade & DFAT and their representatives based in India. “

AIBC NSW has actively organized over 25 events across 2013, says Sheba, “We have close working relationships with the Government of India, the High Commission and the Indian Consul General’s office and the Indian Consulate Trade office in Sydney to facilitate ministerial visits to Australia. AIBC NSW has also hosted several trade delegations to promote bilateral trade and business.”

AIBC has been busy running Boardroom sessions, panel discussions, visiting dignitary addresses, mentoring sessions and industry events were held across the year for members and overseas delegations. Regular industry specific briefings were also undertaken.

“The 2013 AIBC NSW Annual Australia India Address was a highly successful event. Attended by NSW Premier, The Hon Barry O’Farrell shared his Government’s plans for actively engaging with India. In his speech he acknowledged the close working relationship that the NSW Government had with AIBC NSW. The High Commissioner, His Excellency Biren Nanda shared key insights on India and the Consul General of India, Sydney Mr. Arun Kumar Goel spoke about the opportunities of the Australia India relationship.”

“AIBC was also  a proud supporter of the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.”

“AIBC NSW would like to congratulate the High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Biren Nanda, his office, the Consul General of India, Sydney and the organisers for a very successful conference. As the President of AIBC NSW, I was particularly pleased to see the quality of engagement from both speakers and participants. The conference attracted the very best of speakers and participants in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and around the region,” Sheba said.

AIBC also participated by leading the largest trade delegation to India in 2013 during the Vibrant Gujarat Conference, which was led by the AIBC National Chairman, Dipen Rughani.”

Says Sheba with confidence that , “2014  promises to be even bigger, even better. In 2014 AIBC NSW is set to build on last year’s tremendous successes and I would like to share some of my thoughts for the year ahead. To provide value for members, AIBC NSW will continue to hold numerous informative and exciting industry and business forums; networking events and hosting delegations from India. Our calendar includes a few major annual events such as the Indian Union Budget & Economic Update and the Annual Australia India Address.

AIBC this year welcomes several trade delegations from India such as the Indo Australian Chamber of Commerce Chennai led by Mr Sarat Chandra among others.

In early February AIBC meets with the Chairman and Managing Director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) to explore the possibility of larger Indian participation in trade fairs in Australia and vice versa.

AIBC NSW will also be hosting an FIEO delegation in March with plans of signing an MOU.

AIBC NSW Industry Chapters are also growing from strength to strength.

Says Sheba, “Our proactive and energetic industry chapters are planning a range of events throughout the year beginning with the official launches, in early 2014, of the newly formed Media and Entertainment and Professional Services Chapters.The ICT, Women in Business, Young Professionals, Energy, Real Estate and Education Chapters will continue to actively engage with industry forums and hold special events for their members.

The AIBC now has an active website which is up and running and will shortly include a member’s only section. All AIBC NSW event information will be available on the site. Additionally all trade and business enquires received will be regularly uploaded on to the AIBC website, which can be accessed by all members.

“I would like to invite members interested in actively contributing to AIBC NSW and Chapter activities to contact me directly on sheba@multicall.com.au, copying our Executive Office, Sam Dutt on nsw@aibc.org.au

“We would like to share any suggestions received with the Management Committee and Chapter Chairs,” says Sheba.

With AIBC National Chairman Dipen Rughani, Vice Chairman Peter O’Byrne, National Treasurer Con Livissianis, AIBC National Secretariat including Julie Hallifax and Lesley M To AIBC NSW Secretariat Executive Officer, Sam Dutt  and  MultiConnexions who have often supported  on several AIBC NSW events  Sheba has a strong team behind her and is thankful for their support and hard work.

sheba with tony abbott

Sheba Nandkeolyar with Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Indian high Commissioner Biren Nanda

In the end she says, “To quote our Prime Minister the Hon Tony Abbott, who in our recent AIBC NSW Annual Australia India Address’ said, “India will grow rich before it grows grey.   He truly summarised the demographic advantage that India enjoys ”“ which will be her biggest economic asset in years to come.”

Sheba is confident that AIBC NSW will continue to play an active part to engage and increase bilateral trade & business opportunities that exist between Australia and India.

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