Please find the official event images here.
The Business Council has today reaffirmed its commitment to deepening Australia’s economic partnership with India, bringing together senior business leaders from both countries for the Australia-India CEO Forum in Melbourne.
During his visit to Australia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the Forum, outlining their shared vision to strengthen trade, investment and commercial cooperation between the two countries.
Business Council Chief Executive Bran Black said Australia’s relationship with India was one of the country’s most important economic partnerships and presented enormous opportunities for Australian businesses.
“India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and an increasingly important partner for Australia, with the economic relationship supporting both jobs and investment,” Mr Black said.
“The Australia-India CEO Forum demonstrates what can be achieved when governments and business come together to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and economic growth.”
“The BCA is proud to serve as the Australian Secretariat of the Forum, bringing together leaders from both countries to identify practical ways to strengthen our economic partnership and drive greater opportunities for businesses on both sides.”
At the Forum, the Prime Ministers outlined their priorities for the bilateral relationship and encouraged senior business leaders to support deeper economic links between Australia and India.
The Forum recognised that two-way trade has reached $50.2 billion since the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement entered into force in December 2022, reflecting the growing strength of the relationship.
Business leaders discussed opportunities to expand cooperation across investment and infrastructure, education and skills, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, renewable energy, critical minerals and agritech.
Building on today’s discussions, the Business Council will lead a senior business delegation to India in December to deepen commercial relationships and advance investment opportunities.
“Today’s Forum is another important step in a long-term partnership between Australia and India, and we look forward to continuing that work through our engagement with business and government in both countries,” Mr Black said.
As the Australian Secretariat of the Australia-India CEO Forum since 2023, the Business Council will continue to work alongside the Confederation of Indian Industry to progress the Forum’s recommendations and facilitate ongoing engagement between business leaders and governments.