Media Statement
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Curtis Pitt
Friday, May 05, 2017
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Curtis Pitt has issued a reminder that nominations for this year’s India Australia Business and Community Awards close next week, Friday 12 May.
Mr Pitt said the Awards would be held in Brisbane in October with the Queensland Government as a major sponsor.
“The Awards have been staged in Sydney for the previous three years so it is a coup for Queensland to lure them north,” Mr Pitt said.
“India is Queensland’s third-largest export market and fifth-largest trading partner, so the Palaszczuk Government is celebrating leadership in Queensland’s Indian business community by sponsoring this annual event.
“India continues to be a priority market for many sectors including knowledge industries, education and training, tourism, food and agriculture and investment attraction.
“India is now the second-largest source country for inbound international students to Queensland.
“The new Trade and Investment Strategy I launched last month will help tap even more opportunities.”
Mr Pitt said for the past 10 years Queensland has had an office in Bangalore in recognition of the importance of the Indian market, while a senior Queensland Government Minister or the Premier visits the market annually.
Awards organiser, Sonia Gandhi, said the IABCA raised awareness of Indians in Australia and Australians in India, in a way that encouraged further growth in relations between the two countries.
"We’re obviously very excited to be working with the Queensland Government and showcasing the exceptional people, businesses and organisations that eventually receive these prestigious awards as we celebrate the Australia India relationship,” Ms Gandhi said.
“Our two award categories: ‘Australian Exporter of the Year’ and ‘Indian Investment in the Australian Market’ further encourages investment prospects between the two countries.”
The IABCA was established to celebrate migrant entrepreneurship and community leadership. These awards acknowledge Australian Indians who have achieved and contributed greatly to our multicultural nation.
Almost one million people of Indian heritage now live across Australia. IABCA is the only national platform that connects and recognises the role played by those Australian Indians in shaping this nation.
The awards will be presented at a dinner in Brisbane on 13 October 2017 with further details available from www.iabca.com.au (external site).