Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi (pictured) has announced that an Indian Consulate is to be opened in Brisbane.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomed the announcement, saying the new Consulate would reinforce the trade partnership between Queensland and India.
“India is Queensland’s second largest trading partner with exports worth $19 billion in the 12 months to March, representing an increase of 29 per cent or $4.5 billion,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Last year, India bought more metallurgical coal from Queensland than Korea and Japan combined.”
She said her State recognised the importance of India and was committed to further strengthening the Queensland-India relationship, which was highlighted by the Queensland Government Trade and Investment Strategy 2018-2023.
“In March, Queensland Treasurer, Cameron Dick led a trade delegation to India to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will develop aerospace and Defence manufacturing in Queensland,” the Premier said.
“Queensland’s universities joined the Treasurer at an Education Fair in Mumbai to develop education relationships, with more than 10,400 people from India studying in our State. “
She said India was the fastest-growing major economy on the planet and, by 2030, it would be the world’s third largest.
“Trade means jobs for Queenslanders,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Also, I know that the opening of the Consulate is something our Indian communities have long wanted, further cementing the closeness of our peoples,” she said.
