Launching the latest updated strategy paper recently, Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith has said the state's relationship with India has evolved since the release of its first 'India Engagement Strategy' in 2012.
"This refinement of the original strategy will prepare South Australian businesses to embrace new opportunities that stem from our evolving relationship with India," Hamilton-Smith said.
"Major reforms have also occurred in India after the 2014 election of the Modi Government. We have identified a Government-to-Government approach as being effective in providing opportunities for commercial and cultural engagement," he said.
In addition to this, the paper also pinpointed additional opportunities in agribusiness, premium food and wine, tourism and culture, urban planning and health.
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"We have listened to exporters and updated the strategy's priorities to help build on existing partnerships and seize new opportunities for collaboration," he said.
The first paper had identified four key sectors - aerospace & defence, energy & natural resources, education & clean technology, the updated strategy paper is said to have a strong focus on emphasising the government's role in facilitating services-based exports to India.
Apart from this, greater connections with the Indian diaspora in the state and activation of South Australia Club in India will also form the part of the strategy.
"Education and training is a sector that presents many
opportunities for increased engagement and partnerships between India and South Australia," he added.
"India is South Australia's second largest source of international students with more than 3489 students enrolled to study here, and all three of our universities are currently collaborating on research projects with leading Indian universities," he said.
"This year we have established an extensive business mission program that will not only see the State Government lead a mission to India, but also to China, South East Asia, the Middle East and the North Atlantic regions," Hamilton-Smith said.
"It is this momentum that is supporting our endeavours to effectively engage with international neighbours for the mutual benefit of our regions."
"There is also an opportunity for South Australia to collaborate on research and technology in agribusiness and share its expertise in areas such as soil testing and fertility, plant breeding, and animal husbandry. India has a large agricultural sector, but it lacks the research capabilities, technologies, skills and expertise needed to improve yields and provide quality," the paper said.
India is South Australia's sixth largest export partner, with exports valued at USD736 million for the period of one year till January this year.