Premier welcomes Regional PBD conference in Sydney

IMG_0055small

Saba Abdi, Premier Barry O’Farrell, Fiji’s Ex Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhary and his wife, Gautam Gupta at a reception given by the premier in Government House in Sydney

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has today welcomed an Indian Government delegation to Sydney while officially opening the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas ”“ or Overseas Indian Convention.

The 2013 Convention is the first to be held in Australia, marking the contribution the overseas Indian community makes to the development of India.

Mr O’Farrell lit a ceremonial lamp with the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, The Hon. Vayalar Ravi, to inaugurate the conference at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

“It is a great honour for NSW to host this conference, which is expected to generate millions for the State economy,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“The decision to choose Sydney to host this gathering is an indication of the strong and long-standing friendship that India and Australia are fortunate to enjoy.

“The NSW Government’s new International Engagement Strategy was launched in April of this year, confirming India as a priority relationship and our commitment to pursuing business with India.

“The Multicultural Business Advisory Panel, chaired by Mr Nihal Gupta, compliments the Strategy by working with the Indian community, among others, to identify ways to strengthen trade and investment between NSW and India.

“I am looking forward to leading my third delegation to India next month, to build on existing business relationships while exploring new opportunities.

“There are around 95,000 people of Indian heritage who live in NSW, placing us in a fortunate position to develop not only business, but cultural ties.

“The economic relationship and friendship between NSW and India has grown steadily in recent years and I look forward to seeing further co-operation into the future,” Mr O’Farrell said.

The Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is organised by the High Commission of India and the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.

 

Short URL: https://indiandownunder.com.au/?p=2707