Adani Australia and AIBC Host the annual premier luncheon to mark the 2019 Australia Day and Republic Day

By Deepa Damle

Adani Australia and  Australia India Business Council  hosted the annual premier luncheon

On 13 February 2019, Adani Australia, in association with Australia India Business Council (AIBC), hosted the annual premier luncheon to mark the 2019 Australia Day and Republic Day. Held at the classy RACV Club in Melbourne, with a view to celebrate and strengthen the bilateral business ties between the two countries, the event was attended by government representatives (past and present), various business leaders, representatives of the AIBC, Adani Australia’s leading personnel, and of course media. Also in attendance were the former Premier of Victoria Ted Bailleau, and the special guest, Professor Geoffrey Blainey, an economist and historian, who presented an interesting and informative speech on the significance and history of trade between the two countries.

The AIBC is the frontrunner when it comes to enabling and enhancing bilateral trade, commerce and investment between Australia and India. It was evident from the speeches on the day how important the bilateral relations are for both countries, with dignitaries from both sides emphasising the need to foster the relationship for economic progression for both sides.

The Indian High Commissioner Dr. A M Gondane spoke at length about how India, as an emerging market, has a lot to offer Australia. He spoke about how Indians have become one of the largest group of emigrants in the last few years, and how strengthening ties between the two countries can provide businesses in both countries with a multitude of opportunities. Of course, he did not pass off a chance to highlight another very strong common factor – cricket, with a cheeky mention of the Indian team’s historic win, but nevertheless, a common love for the sport.

Adani Australia was the main sponsor of the event, and its’ CEO and Country Head, Jeyakumar Janakaraj, spoke very well about Adani’s presence and journey in Australia thus far. While Adani has figured prominently in the news and is no stranger to controversy in relation to mining, it was interesting to hear the other side of the story. It’s clichéd…but it’s true…there are always two sides to any story. Janakaraj highlighted how the proposed rail network will create jobs and how rigorous the process has been for Adani to receive approval for their projects. Another wonderful example of the collaboration between the two countries.

A great way for the business fraternity to mingle, network and build relationships, the luncheon was a definitely an event worth attending.

Pictures’ courtesy – Guruswamy Perumal