Australia to set up a trade department in Chandigarh

The Australian government would soon set up a trade and commerce department in Chandigarh to boost the bilateral trade between Australia and India in general and Punjab in particular. This was announced by Australian High Commissioner in India Peter Verghese. Verghese also evinced keen interest in collaborative research programmes between Australia and Punjab-based universities to impart quality higher education.

He also assured Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal of the safety and security of Indian students including those from Punjab and reiterated that the safety of these international students was a first order priority for the Australian government.

The Australian envoy said that the Australian government was deeply concerned over the recent attacks on Indian students and the police forces had been sensitised to ensure safety and security of the students at all costs as Australia takes its reputation as a safe destination for internationals students seriously.