Karnataka seeks Australia's help to revamp sugar mills

The Karnataka government has sought assistance from Australia to upgrade sugar mills and also explore gold mining in the state.

Addressing an interactive session with a hi-power South Australian delegation organised by Bangalore Chamber of Industries and Commerce (BCIC), state industries, commerce and finance minister P G R Sindhia said many sugar mills in the state are running under loss and badly need technology upgradation to tap co-generation, ethanol blending and extraction of rectified spirit.

"Since Australia is known for producing quality sugar we have sought their assistance through their entrepreneurs and companies to come forward to help us in improving sugar mills," he added.

Australia in the recent past has shown great interest in exploring new business opportunities in India and particularly in Bangalore.

"It is always good to have a relationship with Australia as both the countries have immense potential and can help in each other's development. South Australia has long been recognised as a superior region for producing the highest quality food, beverage for the world market. A collaboration between South Australia and Karnataka to exchange technology and know how will enable us to harness each other's full potential," Sindhia said.

Speaking on the occasion, Paul Holloway, minster for Industry and trade, South Australia, said: "We are serious in deepening our relationship with India as it presents a huge export market to South Australia. We have lots to offer in manufacturing, mining, education, wine, automotive industry. Moreover excellent joint venture opportunities exist within the mineral exploration sector, particularly for copper, gold and nickel."

South Australia delegation led by Paul Holloway is touring India to attract investments. The delegation is also accompanied by South Australia's Special Envoy, Darren Lehmann, Australian Test Cricketer apart from a 15 member business delegation.

Speaking on the occasion Anant R Koppar, president, BCIC said, "The main objective of this session is to interact with the delegation and build opportunities. The various sectors such as automotive components, information and communication technology (ICT), healthcare, sports and education have immense scope for business and investments between the two countries. Australia and India have much in common such as membership of the Commonwealth, layers of tradition through a common legal system, language and, of course, a love of cricket."

"Development, investment and employment opportunities exist across a diverse range of thriving industry sectors, including IT, hospitality, engineering, bioscience, electronics, automotive, healthcare and wine in South Australia and with such large delegation coming to India which comprises of industrialists from all the above sectors shows our interest in doing business with the Indian companies. We feel both countries have got lots to offer to each other in the future," said, A K Tareen, director, trade & investment, South Australia.