AIBC Queensland hosts networking evening to boost business ties

Newcastle, July 14(Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) recently facilitated a regional outreach initiative in collaboration with HunterNet Co-operative, aiming to connect regional businesses in New South Wales with opportunities in the Indian market. The outreach focused on strengthening ties between local governments, business chambers, and industry leaders in the Newcastle and Hunter regions.

The delegation was led by AIBC NSW President and National Associate Chair Irfan Malik (MAICD), along with Consul General of India in Sydney,

Janakiraman Sarvesvaran, and AIBC NSW business representatives. They were hosted by HunterNet Co-operative leadership, including Peter Morrissey, Ivan Waterfield, Tim Owen AM JP, and Bret Barton, at the City of Newcastle Council.

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge and Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull engaged with the delegation in discussions on connecting the Newcastle and Hunter region with industry hubs across Indian states and exploring potential sister city collaborations and trade partnerships.

Plans are underway to host more Indian business delegations in Newcastle and the Hunter region, aligned with key industry events and targeted business needs.

The delegation also visited regional industry leaders in engineering, manufacturing, and defence, including the Varley Group, to explore opportunities for bilateral partnerships. The discussions highlighted prospects for procurement partnerships and servicing the expanding Indian market.

A visit to Newcastle Airport Pty Limited provided insights into its growth as a regional transport, aviation, and aircargo hub in Australia. The airport’s development presents opportunities for strengthening trade connections with India, facilitating export opportunities, and serving the needs of business travellers and the growing Indian diaspora in regional NSW. AIBC acknowledged the leadership at Newcastle Airport, including CEO Linc Horton, Chair Jude Munro AO, and Jeremy Bath, CEO of the City of Newcastle and City of Port Stephens, along with Port Stephens Council Lord Mayor Leah Anderson GAICD, for hosting the delegation and showcasing the airport’s development potential.

Through this outreach, AIBC has initiated engagements aimed at supporting regional business growth and leveraging the expanding Australia-India bilateral trade and investment opportunities in alignment with the NSW Government’s strategy to promote regional economic development and global trade connections.

Credit: AIBC Newsletter Second Quarter 2025