Austrade ready to do business in Delhi

A program that has generated more than $1.7 billion in international trade for Australia since 2000 will go ahead in the precarious environment of the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

46 Australian companies have won more than $63 million in Commonwealth Games contracts, bringing expertise to areas like broadcasting, the baton relay, design and development of venues, pyrotechnics, IT consultancy and security.

The work is due largely to a program called Business Club Australia, which was developed for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

A format of social events has been held at global sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cups, connecting 36,500 international business people.

The events, against the backdrop of sport, have been so successful that the International Olympic Committee has studied the format so it can be replicated in the bids of other nations.

In Delhi, the Austrade program will stage 22 events for about 2000 business people in various sectors, including clean energy, education, finance and manufacturing.

Business Club Australia Manager Ashley White said the events would be held in the safety of the Australian High Commission, and he was undaunted by threats of terrorism and other safety fears.

Business people from other nations who travelled to Delhi for the Games also would be invited to take part, added White, telling AAP "it's a more relaxed environment.

"When we have Australian companies going to Indian sporting events, the real business can get done."

The event in Delhi will have a special focus on education.

White said Australia was emerging from a "difficult period", still recovering from widely publicised reports of violence and discrimination against Indians students.

About 13 higher education facilities will take part in an awards function and a showcase of sports-related education programs.
AAP

For more information go to www.austrade.gov.au/BCA-India-2010/default.aspx 

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