Australia has welcomed the Emerging Kerala Global Connect initiative as an opportunity to strengthen engagement with the State in a number of sectors.
According to Mr Peter Varghese, High Commissioner to India, these would include education, agriculture, energy and waste management.
DIPLOMATIC TEAM
A high-level diplomatic delegation led by Mr Varghese met the Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, and Ministers to discuss the possibility of new partnerships.
The Australian delegation included Consul-General for South India, Mr David Holly.
Mr Varghese said that Australia’s private sector has expertise and capabilities in the ten focus sectors identified for showcasing at Emerging Kerala 2012.
Agri-businesses and agro-based services are among the key areas identified by Australia, which wants to partner Kerala in deep-sea fishing projects.
The country offers various related services, including the training of fishermen and promotion of sustainable and environment friendly practices to boost agriculture.
Mr Varghese has promised to make private industries in his country aware of the ‘global connect’ opportunity. The Australian government will be happy to bring trade delegations and make presentations at the event, he said.
POSITIVE RESPONSE
The Industries Minister, Mr P. K. Kunhalikutty, said that Australian response to the state government’s efforts has been very positive.
“Our meeting clearly showed the great synergy of ideas we have. There is so much Kerala can offer that Australia wants, and vice versa.”
Among those who attended the meeting included senior government officials, Mr Somasundaram, additional chief secretary, Industries, and Mr Alkesh Sharma, secretary (Industries-IP).
Australia has offered to collaborate in improving technical education in schools and ITIs through projects similar to those in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
IMPROVED SKILLS
The projects propose capacity building of educational institutions and improved skills training, with the goal of making the graduating students more employable.
Among the mega projects that have attracted Australia’s attention are the proposed Oceanarium and LNG terminal at Kochi.
Australia, which has set up a trade office in Kochi in 2010, has also offered its expertise in the field of food processing, medical equipment and healthcare, water management and desalination, sports management, infrastructure and renewable energy.