Pravasi Divas in Sydney to boost India-Aus ties: Diplomat

The Indian community in Australia and the Pacific will get an opportunity to contribute between India and countries in the region at the 7th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Sydney, a top Indian diplomat has said.

"The objective of the convention would be to reach out to those members of the community who have been unable to participate in the annual PBD in India and to provide a platform for the Indian community in Australia and the Pacific to contribute to the relationship between countries of the region and India," Indian High Commissioner to Australia Biren Nanda said.

The 3-day-long convention in Sydney, scheduled to start on November 10, will be organised by the Indian mission in the country in collaboration with the New South Wales government.

The convention will discuss different aspects of India's relationship with Australia and countries of the region as well as trade including resources, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, skills and education, languages, women in business and culture.

Participation in the event is expected from all states and territories of Australia and from neighbouring countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji and the Pacific Islands.

Nanda said the upcoming convention was not only for the Indian community, but for anyone who were keen to plug into India's growing relationship with Australia and other Pacific countries.

The Confederation of Indian Industry will be a partner of the Regional PBD Meeting and several business to business meetings will be organised by the industry body  during the conference.

Speakers at the event will include ministers and dignitaries from Australia and India, prominent members of the Indian community, Australian and Indian business representatives and academicians and media persons.

Earlier making an announcement to host the event, NSW premier Barry O'Farrell said, "Sydney is the perfect location for this conference as it is Australia's financial and cultural capital ? And the event will generate an estimated USD 2.8 million of economic activity for NSW.

"I am confident the event will be a major success," he had said.