India-S. Australia bilateral trade A Quiet Bond Grows Stronger A special relationship is quietly but surely developing between India and the State of South Australia. Over the past 15 months, the South Australians have sent two trade delegations to India, both led at the highest level by their Premier Mike Rann. For many Indians, South Australia is known as the home of the world-famous cricket venue, the Adelaide Oval, and as the State of origin of well-known cricketers such as the Chappell brothers, Jason Gillespie and Darren Lehmann. Today, Greg Chappell is coaching the Indian cricket team. Traditionally, India and Australia as nations have enjoyed much in common: membership of the Commonwealth and layers of tradition through a common legal system, language and, of course, a love of cricket. The South Australian Government, however, believes that there are many opportunities of potential mutual benefit to strengthen ties between the two regions, which it considers to offer complementary markets. Known variously as Australia's Wine State, the Arts State and the Defence State, because of its stand-out capabilities in those industries, the centrally located southern Australian State is keen to support increased trade and cultural links with India, and has implemented a number of new measures to help the process. In addition to the recent trade missions to promote trade between South Australia and India, a South Australian Chapter of the Australia India Business Council was formed in Adelaide in July 2000 and officially launched by Premier Rann on 29 June 2005. There is also a regular e-newsletter, the South Australia-India Trade E-news, which is distributed by the South Australian Department of Trade and Economic Development to a growing database of interested recipients, both in India and South Australia. The newsletter provides the latest information on all that is happening in South Australia and India to continue building on the developing relationship. Much to the delight of cricket fans on both continents, former Australian test cricketer Darren Lehmann was appointed in 2005 as South Australia's Special Envoy to India. As Special Envoy, Darren's role is to support local businesses looking to export to India, encourage investment by Indian companies into South Australia and promote South Australia and India as mutual tourist destinations. During his visit to India in September, 2005 Darren was keen to talk about South Australia's excellent sporting tradition, its world-class training facilities and the State's increasing popularity as a training camp destination. A visit is scheduled later this year where Darren will again promote opportunities for India in South Australia. South Australia India trade In 2004-05, the overall two-way trade between India and South Australia was worth $152 million. South Australia recorded a trade surplus of $47 million. South Australia exports approximately $100 million worth of goods to India annually. Its top four export commodities to India (2003-2004) were lead ($29 million), silver ($22 million), coal ($12 million) and wool ($7 million). South Australian imports from India in the same period were worth $52 million. The top four import commodities from India were lead ($10 million), cotton toilet and kitchen linen ($7 million), precious metal jewellery ($3 million) and parts and accessories for vehicles and tractors ($2 million). Migration to South Australia South Australia is home to a growing Indian population. According to Australia's 2001 census, 5,058 South Australians claimed Indian ancestry and 3,688 of South Australian residents identified themselves as having been born in India. Hindi is the main language spoken at home by 951 South Australians. India is currently the third largest source country for South Australia for skilled migrants, and South Australia has also been successful in attracting more Indian students to study in the State. In 2004, 526 Indians studied in South Australia, largely in higher education. In 2005, this had increased to nearly 1,000 Indian students. Bonus migration points Adelaide, South Australia, is one of the few mainland State capital cities in Australia offering bonus migration points to students. Students choosing to study in South Australia are eligible for five bonus migration points and can look at pursuing a career once they complete their studies. Graduates with a Bachelor degree can apply for a Skilled Independent Regional Visa and continue to enjoy the lifestyle and opportunities that South Australia offers. Adelaide was recently voted one of the world's top five cities to live in by The Economist magazine and offers an affordable lifestyle with living costs 18 percent less than Sydney and 15 percent less than Melbourne. There is a continued scope for more trade in products, services and expertise, as well migration between the two regions. Two-way Business Opportunities The Indian economy has been consistently growing at around 6.0 per cent a year for the past few years. It is amongst the fastest growing economies in the developing world. Simultaneously, India is also opening up its economy to allow imports of foreign products, services and investments. This presents Australia with a broad range of business opportunities, many of which fit well within South Australia's export capability. Some of these sectors are fresh and processed food, education, health, water, sports, aviation, wine, tooling, services, and film and television commercial production and post-production. Additionally, there is scope to attract Indian investments into South Australia's minerals and energy industries. Many Indian companies have invested in Australia over the past couple of years and many more are keenly looking at new possibilities. With the pending Sister State Agreement between Tamil Nadu and South Australia, it is expected there will be increased movement between the two regions of people, products and services in the coming year. South Australian representation in India The decision last year by the South Australian Government to appoint a Director Trade and Investment in India to represent South Australia has boosted the potential of growth in trade relationship between the two regions. Ayub Tareen has been in the business of advising Australian companies on doing business with India for nearly 10 years. He is now exclusively available to facilitate trade and investment between India and South Australian. Companies in both regions can approach Tareen for initial advice on the appropriateness of their products or services to the market, or for a detailed market entry strategy. Tareen is supported by Austrade's vast network and the Department of Trade and Economic Development in South Australia. He can be contacted to discuss business opportunities: ayub.tareen@austrade.gov.au Tel: +91 44 5202 7362 Fax: +91 44 2860 4988 501 Raheja Towers, 177 Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002, India