A delegation from Australia’s Northern Territory [NT] led by Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison visited Kerala and signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] between the Northern Territory and Kerala governments for increased cooperation between the two regions. A statement issued by the Australian Consulate-General, Chennai, on Monday, said the visit reinforced the importance of Kerala to the Australia-India bilateral relationship.
Manison, who is leading the delegation to the state, revealed this during an interaction with higher officials of various departments including the Department of Industries and Commerce among others, here on Wednesday evening.
🇦🇺 Northern Territory Deputy CM @NicoleManison and I met yesterday with #Kerala Chief Minister @PinarayiVijayan, Industries Minister @PRajeevOfficial, Health Minister @VeenaGeorge03 to enhance ties. #education #criticalminerals #LNG #health #nursing #tourism pic.twitter.com/5Q0b1L6yY7
— Aus Consulate Chennai (@AusCGChennai) October 12, 2023
He is on a visit to Kerala, leading a 16-member business delegation to explore the possibility of bringing investments to the state that coincide with mutual growth and to identify the priority sectors that promote mutual growth. Moreover, Mansion, who is also the Minister for Trade of the Northern Territory, Australia, said trade relations globally are built with nations and places where mutual partnerships benefit both sides.
However, he also included that “Kerala has an amazing dynamic community living in NT, and they contribute significantly to the economy through investments. There is a real brooding relationship of trust, belief, and opportunity with Kerala. We have so much to learn from the state in education, training, and others.”
Commenting that a tie-up with NT will be an opportunity for MSMEs in the state, Sarah Kirlew, Consul General of the Australian Consulate in Chennai, said NT’s relationship with Kerala started in 2017 and the consistent engagement by both sides will help them explore more areas. Kirlew also added that of the one million people of Indian origin living in the country, 80,000 speak Malayalam, indicating that people from Kerala are the third largest Indian community in Australia, catering to the country’s growth.
Collaboration between NT and Kerala can lead to the identification of investment opportunities in both regions. This can include infrastructure projects, tourism ventures, agricultural initiatives, and more. Sharing expertise, resources, and best practices can stimulate economic growth in both areas. The signing of the MoU provides a framework for trade expansion. It can lead to reduced trade barriers, making it easier for businesses in Kerala to export their products to the Northern Territory and vice versa. This can boost exports, create jobs, and contribute to economic development. Cooperation can also focus on sustainability and environmental initiatives, such as renewable energy projects or conservation efforts. These projects can result in long-term benefits for both regions.
Therefore, increased cooperation and trade relations between Australia’s Northern Territory and Kerala offer a platform for mutual growth and benefit. By leveraging each region’s strengths, expertise, and resources, both regions can tap into new opportunities and foster economic and cultural ties that can lead to a stronger, more prosperous partnership.
