Rajkot: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with its International Trade, Exports, and Collaboration (ITEC) Panel and CII Western Gujarat Zone, hosted exclusive roundtable conferences in Rajkot and Jamnagar with the Australian Consul General to Western India, Mr. Paul Murphy, and Vice Consul Mr. Yann Sinclair, on June 17 and 19 respectively.
The two-city high-level engagement focused on leveraging Saurashtra’s manufacturing prowess. Which are to deepen the India–Australia strategic partnership, highlighting mutual opportunities in trade, defense, sports, and clean energy, while celebrating the vibrant Gujarati diaspora’s growing role in bilateral ties.
Addressing local industry leaders and exporters, Mr. Murphy emphasized the value of bilateral pacts. Such pacts like the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, which are driving economic cooperation between both countries.
He specifically pointed out the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which will allow 100% tariff-free export of Indian goods to Australia from January 1, 2026, offering a massive opportunity for Saurashtra-based industries.
The CII Panel showcased the export-ready sectors of the region—textiles, machine tools, brass components, and agro-processing—with Jamnagar and Rajkot positioned as key manufacturing hubs. The engagement aimed to connect these sectors with Australian markets and investors, particularly in agro-tech, renewable energy, and defence manufacturing.
The roundtables also explored future collaboration around the Olympic Games in 2032 (Australia) and 2036 (India) through the Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum. Mr. Murphy praised both nations’ cooperation on Net Zero goals, citing the Green Steel Partnership as a model of sustainable innovation.
He acknowledged the Indian, especially Gujarati, diaspora’s critical role in Australia’s economy and society—highlighting their contributions in business, law, politics, and academia.
On the defence front, the discussions emphasized joint initiatives under multilateral frameworks like QUAD and the Malabar Exercise, with potential expansion into defence production and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Mr. Murphy concluded with a forward-looking note on Australia’s Future Roadmap for Economic Engagement with India, promising innovative avenues for sustained economic integration.
Mr. Sunil Dave and Mr. Jalay Pandya, convenor and co-convenor of the ITEC Panel, moderated the discussions, steering them toward actionable business ideas and export facilitation. They reiterated CII’s ongoing efforts through its representation at ITTT in Sydney and its partnership with Invest India to bolster cross-border trade.
Roundtable hosts Mr. Mihir Madeka and Mr. Ashwin Gajara welcomed participants and concluded the sessions, which saw enthusiastic participation from over 80 regional industry stakeholders.
