Today I announce four new partnerships between business and the Australian Government to enhance our vibrant bilateral relationship with India, and help respond to development challenges.
The Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) is a flagship initiative of the Australian Government. It supports partnerships with businesses to deliver sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction, while also ensuring commercial returns for business.
As the largest source of employment and economic growth, the private sector is an essential partner to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The four new partnerships are aligned with the priority sectors identified in the Australian' Government's India Economic Strategy, released earlier this year.
They will promote business to business relationships between our two countries while contributing to inclusive economic growth.
The inaugural four recipients of the BPP – India Window are:
- Village Energy, which is using innovative Australian technology to provide smart meters and rooftop solar energy in remote villages in Andhra Pradesh.
- Pollinate Energy, for improving energy security with affordable solar solutions.
- Karma Healthcare, an operator of virtual health clinics, where rural patients consult city doctors online, and;
- the Madhya Pradesh Poultry Company, a successful agribusiness, which is expanding its farming, providing greater employment opportunities for women.
Through these partnerships, the Australian Government's $1.9 million investment will leverage private sector contributions of $2.85 million.
These partnerships will build on the achievements of the 19 BPP partnerships already underway across 13 countries.
