South Australia has become Rajasthan’s partner to boost trade ties between the two states.
South Australia has become Rajasthan’s partner to boost trade ties between the two states. Following successful visits to Rajasthan by state premier Jay Weatherill, deputy premier John Rau and a state government-led business mission in August 2015, the two states signed a “sister-state agreement” with Rajasthan on Friday.
The agreement was signed by state trade and investment minister Martin Hamilton-Smith and Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, which is expected to pave new ways to boost export and investment opportunities between the two states.
The sister-state relationship between south Australia and Rajasthan is based on a two-way exchange of research, policy and technical capabilities.
The agreement provides partnership and collaborative opportunities across key sectors where south Australian business can offer services and product support.
“The south Australian government wants to establish partnerships and collaborations in Rajasthan that will mutually benefit both regions,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said, adding that the long relationship has strengthened in the past 12 months, culminating in the August 2015 trade mission involving over 40 south Australian businesses.
“This agreement will create new opportunities for exporters, it will encourage new ideas and relationships, which will lead to investment and job creation,” Hamilton-Smith said. The state government will work with the state of Rajasthan to share knowledge, exchange ideas and to produce economic prosperity he added.
The expertise within South Australia in sustainable water management will play a critical role to further improve water access and security for businesses and communities in Rajasthan, he said.
Rajasthan comprises about 10% of India’s land mass and about 5% of the country’s population, but has marginally over 1% of the country’s water resources. “Over two-thirds of Rajasthan is identified as desert yet it is a major producer of agricultural crops,” Hamilton-Smith said, adding “This makes water conservation and management and environmental sustainability key priorities for the current and future prosperity of the region.”
