Media Release

28 September 2010

The Australian High Commissioner, Mr Peter Varghese, today launched Business Club Australia (BCA), the Australian Government’s official business program for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, aimed at boosting trade and investment opportunities between India and Australia.

An initiative of the Australian Trade Commission, the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency, BCA India 2010 is the cornerstone of Australian business activities in Delhi during the Games period from 3 to 14 October.

Speaking at a media conference today, Mr Varghese said BCA is coming to India for the first time, and the extensive program will showcase Australian industry capability through 22 events in sectors of priority for India during the 11 days of Games competition.

“Through the BCA India 2010 program, we will match Indian companies with innovative Australian firms across key sectors such as agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, sustainable building and construction, clean energy, education, food and beverage, financial services, mining, sports and major events.

“Over 2,000 Australian and Indian business executives will be involved, which will directly assist our bilateral economic relations.

“BCA has a proven track record of turning the excitement of high profile sporting events like the Commonwealth Games into long-term profitable business connections between Australia and the host nation, including at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, the Beijing 2008 Olympics and more recently during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

“Since its inception, the program has connected 36,500 international business people and helped generate over A$1.7 billion (INR 7,351.1 Crores) in international business outcomes,” Mr Varghese said.

Mr Varghese said that the success of the BCA model has led to the program being adopted by India, and the first Business Club India program will be held during the Delhi Games.

BCA India 2010 will also showcase Australian industry capability and innovation through the success of Australian firms at the Commonwealth Games.

“Already 47 Australian companies are delivering on contracts worth over A$83 million for the Commonwealth Games and are providing a range of services such as broadcasting, design of Games venues, IT consultancy, logistics and coordination of the Queens Baton Relay, pyrotechnics and security. There is an opportunity for further growth with India preparing for other major sporting events like the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and the 2011 Formula One,” Mr Varghese said.

“India and Australia share more than a passion for sport. Off the field, India is one Australia’s fastest growing major trading partners reflecting the complementarity and strengths of our two countries.

“In 2009, two-way trade was worth over $20 billion, more than double that in 2005 ($9.8 billion), and this relationship is certainly set to grow.

“The joint feasibility study into an Australia-India Free Trade Agreement has indicated that an FTA could increase Australia's GDP by up to A$45.5 billion over 20 years and India’s GDP by up to A$48.3 billion over the same period.

“Initiatives such as Business Club Australia India 2010 add momentum to this increasingly important economic partnership,” Mr Varghese said.

Business Club Australia India 2010 program of business and industry events will be held at the Australian High Commission grounds from 3 to 14 October, with the BCA India 2010 Business Lounge open daily from 9am to 9pm and all the Games action screened live courtesy of Australian Host Broadcaster, Network Ten.

BCA India 2010 Platinum Partners are Gujarat NRE and Pearls Group. The Gold Partners are Leighton Contractors and The Adani Group, with Silver Partners including Aban Group, AISES (Australian International Sporting Events Secretariat), APCS (Australian Project Consulting Services), BHP Billiton, Gold Coast City Council, Events NSW, Lavasa Corporation, Marg Group and Network Ten.

For further information about BCA India 2010, visit www.businessclubaustralia.com.au/india2010.

Media contact

Purnima Ganapathy, Communications Manager, Business Club Australia – India 2010
Mobile: +91 88266 19052
purnima.ganapathy@austrade.gov.au