The relationship between Queensland and India strengthens as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomes the announcement of a new Indian Consulate in Brisbane, enhancing trade and diplomatic ties
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has warmly welcomed the announcement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish a Consulate-General in Brisbane, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the trade partnership and cultural ties between Queensland and India.
The news of the consulate’s opening followed a business event in Sydney, where Premier Palaszczuk represented Queensland at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This development highlights the growing importance of the Queensland-India relationship and reinforces India’s pivotal role in Queensland’s future.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Premier Palaszczuk stated, “We have a special relationship with India which will play a vital role in our future. India is the fastest-growing major economy on the planet and, by 2030, it will be the world’s third-largest economy.”
With India currently serving as Queensland’s second-largest trading partner, this establishment aims to further enhance and solidify the already strong trade links between the two regions. In the 12 months leading up to March, Queensland’s exports to India were valued at an impressive $19 billion, representing a notable 29 percent increase of $4.5 billion.
Premier Palaszczuk emphasised the significance of trade for Queensland’s workforce, stating, “Trade means jobs for Queenslanders, which is why it was so important I attended the meeting.” The new consulate will undoubtedly contribute to fostering economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and driving prosperity in Queensland.
India’s decision to open a Consulate-General in Brisbane is a testament to the enduring partnership between the two regions. The existing honorary consulate will now be elevated to a full-fledged diplomatic mission, bolstering cultural exchanges, trade facilitation, and people-to-people connections.
Highlighting the historical importance of this announcement, Premier Palaszczuk remarked, “This is something I know our Indian communities have long wanted, further cementing the closeness of our peoples.” The establishment of the consulate reflects the deep-rooted desire within the Indian communities in Queensland to strengthen ties with their homeland.
Queensland’s commitment to nurturing the Queensland-India relationship is demonstrated through the Queensland Government Trade and Investment Strategy 2018-2023. This strategy has effectively facilitated engagement between Queensland businesses and India, promoting stronger relationships, business development, and investment.
Earlier this year, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick led a Trade Delegation to India, signing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding aerospace and defense manufacturing in Queensland. The state’s universities also participated in an Education Fair in Mumbai, forging educational partnerships and attracting Indian students to study in Queensland.
Premier Palaszczuk expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent Queensland at the meeting with Prime Minister Modi, asserting, “It was my honor to represent Queensland at last night’s very important meeting with Prime Minister Modi where I was able to promote our state’s interests.”
India’s economic growth potential and its young and dynamic population make it an essential partner for Queensland’s future. By 2032, India’s economy is projected to grow annually by an amount equivalent to the size of Singapore’s economy. With a population that surpasses the entire population of Australia, India’s demographic strength presents immense opportunities for collaboration and trade.
The Premier’s presence at the meeting underscores the Queensland Government’s commitment to fostering a robust and enduring relationship with India. The announcement of the Consulate-General in Brisbane represents a landmark moment in the Queensland-India relationship, paving the way for increased trade, cultural exchanges, and mutual prosperity.
India’s economic growth potential is remarkable, with projections suggesting its economy will grow annually by an amount equivalent to the size of Singapore’s economy by 2032. The country boasts more 18-year-olds than the entire population of people of all ages in Australia, with a million more people reaching this age each month. Additionally, by 2025, India is expected to have the largest population of people of working age globally. These demographic factors, combined with the rapid expansion of the Indian economy, highlight the immense opportunities for collaboration, trade, and cultural exchange between Queensland and India. Notably, the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2021 Census revealed that more than 93,600 Queenslanders reported having Indian ancestry, making the Indian community the fastest-growing multicultural group in Australia.
As Queensland and India deepen their ties, the Consulate-General in Brisbane will serve as a vital hub for fostering greater economic cooperation, facilitating cultural exchanges, and nurturing enduring relationships. The establishment of this diplomatic mission marks a significant milestone, representing the shared vision and commitment to mutual growth between Queensland and India.
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The relationship between Queensland & India strengthens as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomes the announcement of a new Indian Consulate in #Brisbane, enhancing trade & diplomatic ties. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/mfZJbwKcEr
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