Indian market too big to ignore says roundtable

A business roundtable including exporters has provided advice about how business and government can work together to expand Australia’s trade with India.

India is an agricultural powerhouse in its own right and is projected to be the world’s third-largest economy in the world by 2035 with 1.6bn citizens.

“India’s sheer scale and shortfalls in their domestic production will provide significant opportunities for Australia’s premium products,” Australia’s agriculture minister Bridget McKenzie said.

“As the Agribusiness Sector Champion for the India Economic Strategy it’s exciting to have industry leaders with decades of experience working to formulate a strategy for closer economic relations with India,” she said.

The growing middle class in India is tipped to stimulate demand for fruits, vegetables, nuts and proteins like sheep meat, as well as value-added goods like wine and processed foods, as they look to source a more diverse diet.

“Having our business leaders come together to discuss the market is incredibly valuable as we look to promote our strong credentials – we’re counter-seasonal providers, known internationally for our safe, clean and green produce, we’re close to India and we can export our know-how as well as our agricultural goods,” Ms McKenzie said.

 “Unlocking the opportunities presented by the Indian market requires long-term commitment and patience from both government as well as Australia’s agricultural industries.”

The government appointed a second agricultural counsellor in April this year and has been co-operating with India on training including for cold treatment options.

“We’re working to improve Indian crop forecasting so Australian pulse farmers can make more informed decisions about what they plant each season,” Ms McKenzie said.

“I plan to travel to India early next year to promote two way trade and to talk with my counterparts about ways we can reduce non-tariff barriers to trade so we’re all playing by the same rules.”