The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized an Interactive Session with Australian Deputy High Commissioner Rod Hilton on 'An India Economic Strategy to 2035: Navigating from Potential to Delivery' on 20th September 2018 in the Chamber premises.

The Ambassador was accompanied by Ms. Hilary McGeachy, First Secretary (Economic), Australian High Commission, New Delhi.

Mr. Subhodip Ghosh, Director General, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other senior dignitaries from the Chamber were also present in the programme.

The objective of the forum was to offer an exclusive platform with the Deputy High Commissioner to understand the opportunities of doing business with Australia, particularly in the realm of West Bengal's growing importance among the stakeholders in Australia.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner Rod Hilton, during the session, highlighted Kolkata as a preferred destination for Australia to establish business and diplomatic relationship. He stated that Australia has marked Bengal as a priority State amongst several Indian States to boost trade and economic ties with India by 2035.

A report, titled "AN INDIA ECONOMIC STRATEGY TO 2035", authored by Mr. Peter Varghese AO, Vice Chancellor, University of Queensland and former Australian Foreign Secretary, has featured West Bengal prominently. Deputy High Commissioner emphasized the bilateral trade relationship between Australia and India. He stated that Bengal is of special importance to Australia in the realm of Agriculture and Food Processing; Energy and Resources; Education; Infrastructure; Health; Mining; Startups; Technology and Tourism. Mr. Rod Hilton also mentioned that a discussion can be held with the State Government on skilling and Education Programmes where Australia can play a significant role in bringing Technology and skillsets.

Deputy High Commissioner also stated that Australian Government is going to set up a new Australian Consulate in Kolkata.

The forum included a very vibrant interactive session with the Chamber invitees and media.