Formed by the Liberal party’s Dr Jagvinder Singh Virk a few years ago with the aim of being a catalyst in for business partnerships between India and Australia, the India Australia Strategic Alliance (IASA) is gaining recognition and support within the Indo-Australian trade, business and political space. IASA is a not-for-profit that aims to promote business between India and Australia through assisting importers, exporters and service providers. IASA also advises start-up ventures as it has “the knowledge and practical experience in managing risk while doing business overseas”.
NSW Vice President Rajiv Chaudhri says, “We equip Australian and Indian businesses with the resources and capabilities required for profitable international trade. Our services include making representations to and on behalf of businesses to decision makers”.
Chaudhri, a businessman himself, says that IASA also researches global markets and trade issues to identify issues affecting trade between Indian and Australian SMEs.
IASA also organises events and forums for the exchange of ideas and information between actors in this space. Needless to say, IASA does its work through its networks in the Indo-Australia space.
Apart from promoting trade IASA also explores possibilities for the transfer of technology between India and Australia. IASA has a presence in India, says Chaudhri. IASA’s main focus is on building relationships with both the Indian and Australian governments. The organisation aims to be a facilitator of greater understanding between Indian and Australian businesses working in each other’s markets.
Among IASA’s patrons are Australian Senator Eric Abetz, Deputy Mayor of the Hills Shire Dr Michelle Byre, boxer Jeff Fenech and Dr Jim Taggart.
Kapil Sharma is the Secretary of the organisation.
IASA biggest success so far has been the transfer of the technology for bullet-proof vests from a struggling Australian firm to the Indian defence forces.
In September, IASA organised a networking event at North Sydney for a visiting delegation from India. IASA partnered with the NSW Business Chamber, and NAB to provide a networking forum for delegates of the Indo-Australia Chamber of Commerce who were visiting Australia from Chennai.
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