Tasmanian trade mission to visit India

Premier Hodgman said that there were growth opportunities for Tasmania in India, which accounts for 3 per cent of the state's total exports

Government, business and sporting ties between India and the Australian state of Tasmania are set to get a boost with a Tasmanian trade delegation visiting New Delhi, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram next week.

The delegation, headed by the Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman, along with Minister for State Growth Matthew Groom, will include Tasmanian Ambassadors and well-known cricketers Ricky Ponting and David Boon, and senior government and business leaders from the Tasmanian education, energy, tourism, and food and beverage sectors, according to a statement issued in New Delhi

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Premier Hodgman said in a statement that there were considerable growth opportunities for Tasmania in India, which currently accounts for less than 3 per cent of the state's total exports.

"India is only our 11th highest trading partner. Clearly there's scope for further growth given that it's one of the largest economies in the world and the fastest growing," he said.

Meetings with Indian government and business officials will seek to deepen economic links while showcasing what the island state of Tasmania has to offer to visitors, students and investors.

During the visit, the delegation will meet existing investors in Tasmania — including Vedanta and Sunpharma, host education agent events and conduct youth cricket workshops.

The delegation aims to finalise some important business and sporting exchange programmes.

Earlier this year, a similar delegation from the state of South Australia visited India.