Around 300 industry leaders, policy makers and entrepreneurs from Australia and India gathered in Perth this week for the Australian Indian Chamber of Commerce (AICC) National Conference.

 Held in Perth from 26 to 27 June, the conference focused on the next phase of the Australia-India relationship as both countries look to move from the recently signed Economic Co-operation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) to a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).

The conference provided an opportunity for delegates to network, share insights, and participate in industry-focused roundtables in the Western Australian priority sectors of defence, space, critical minerals, energy and renewables, international education, as well as tech and innovation.

The WA Premier, the Hon Roger Cook MLA, delivered the conference opening address. During his time as Deputy Premier, Premier Cook led an Invest and Trade WA mission to India in 2022, which supported business outcomes between the two regions.

 As part of the event, Invest and Trade WA hosted a ‘Western Australia Calling’ session, where Rebecca Brown, Director General of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) and Angelia Trevithick, Director of Collie Futures at JTSI, provided delegates with an overview of the Western Australian economy.

 WA Investment and Trade Commissioner for the India Gulf Region Nashid Chowdhury provided insights on the relationship between India and Western Australia, as well as the future opportunities between the two regions.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Member for Riverton, Dr Jags Krishnan MLA.

The event was sponsored by the Western Australian Government through Invest and Trade WA.

Published on: 29 June 2023