Premier Allan addresses Indian leaders, wants to strengthen ties and boost education opportunities
Addressing Indian leaders in a keynote address, Premier Jacinta Allan said India is the perfect partner for Victoria thanks to education, innovation and growth.
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Jacinta Allan has used a keynote address to spruik Victoria to Indian leaders describing the state as the future of Australia.
Giving the Australia India Institute’s Annual Oration in New Delhi on Monday night, the Premier said Victoria was leading the nation in business investment and jobs growth which was being underpinned by a focus on transport, homes and renewable energy.
She said 60 Indians a day were choosing to move to Victoria, boosting what is already the largest Indian population in the country.
“It’s unimaginable to think of Victoria today, without the values they bring to our state, the fresh thinking they bring to our business world, and most certainly that energy they bring to our suburbs and schools,” she said.
The Premier has embarked on a five day visit to India to meet with government, business and education leaders to promote Victoria and drive trade and investment outcomes.
She has been particularly focused on reassuring Indian officials that Victoria remains open to international students despite a plan by the Australian government to cap foreign student intake.
On Tuesday, she will unveil Victoria’s new India Strategy.
During her keynote address, which was attended by former Premier John Brumby, Ms Allan said she wanted to strengthen strategic ties with India and boost international education opportunities.
India remains Victoria’s largest source for international students, worth almost $15bn, with the Premier saying spruiking a new plan to circumvent the federal government’s proposed foreign student caps.
Under the plan, the government would fund Victorian universities and TAFEs to deliver courses to international students outside Australia through offshore campuses or partnering with international education providers.
“We’re not just the number one state for students, we’re the number one state for international students,” Ms Allan said.
“And so my message for international students, whether they live in India or anywhere else in the world, is that you are welcome in Victoria, you are valued in Victoria, and we want more of you in Victoria.
“And if you can’t make it to Victoria, we want to help you learn in a Victorian University.”
Ms Allan said a commitment to education, innovation and growth and better social outcome made India a perfect partner for Victoria.
“I truly believe that Victoria is the future of Australia, and I truly believe that India is the future of the world,” she said.
“We have an incredible opportunity ahead of us, and we are so keen to go and grab it with you together.”
The Premier didn’t miss the chance to sell Victoria, boasting it was “the only place in the world with a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and a tennis grand slam.”
“And then there’s, of course, the best restaurants, the best culture, and you most certainly have never seen a game of cricket until you’ve seen it at the MCG.
“Victoria is most certainly a great place to start a business, start a family, and start that new chapter in your life.”
Australia Asia and Indian Business Organisation chief, Ravi Ragupathy, said the visit signified a pivotal moment in the evolving Victoria-India relationship.
“Premier Allan’s visit is not just symbolic but holds the promise of unlocking new opportunities across a broad spectrum of industries,” he said.
“Victoria’s growing economic and cultural ties with India, supported by the vibrant Indian community, especially in Melbourne, have set the stage for even deeper engagements.
“From education to technology and infrastructure, India represents a key partner for Victoria’s future.”
Originally published as Premier Allan addresses Indian leaders, wants to strengthen ties and boost education opportunities
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