Geelong will adopt a targeted approach to progress its partnership with India, focusing on four priority sectors that are ready for collaboration.
The commitment followed a dynamic roundtable discussion that concluded the Geelong-India Collaborative Futures Forum on Wednesday.
The three-day forum, presented by the City with support from the Australia India Business Council, positioned Geelong as a leading city to live, learn and do business while deepening our longstanding links with India.
A commitment was also made to ensure the relationship is strengthened through genuine connection and understanding, with a potential roadshow to India also proposed.
More than 100 guests attended the forum from 16–18 March to hear from 40 speakers, including Consul General of India in Melbourne Shri Anish Rajan, with representatives travelling from as far as Canberra and dialling in from India.
The roundtable was joined by more than 20 industry and community leaders, including Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM, who agreed that after several days of discussion, the priority must now shift to delivery.
A targeted, strategic and data-led approach was identified as the logical next step.
The four focus sectors are:
- advanced manufacturing and innovation
- film and creativity
- tourism and sport
- food and agribusiness.
All of these areas are underpinned by education and skills. The City will establish dedicated networks for each sector and host monthly sessions to ensure ongoing momentum. Top of the agenda will be exploring visa pathways, analysing trade trends, and initiating pilot programs to build connection and capability.
