It’s not just the love for cricket that binds the two regions together but a whole array of business interests that Australia and Andhra Pradesh have a plethora of synergies in.

In an exclusive interview to Vizag Industrial Scan, the CEO of the Centre for Australia-India relations (CAIR), Mr Tim Thomas(Seen above left in the picture) highlighted the role of CAIR in fostering relations between the two and also on the vast opportunities that could be worked upon between the two regions.

CAIR is a national platform established by the Australian Government in 2023 to foster greater collaboration and engagement with India.

Mr Thomas was recently in the port city of Vizag wherein he met with regional industry leaders and also visited the AMTZ facility.

‘There are a lot of common areas of interest that can be explored between Australia and AP’ said Mr Thomas speaking to Vizag Industrial Scan. Mr David Eggleston, Deputy consul general of the Australian consulate general also joined in for the interview.

Edited Excerpts of the Interview

If you could briefly talk us through the broader mandate of CAIR and its reach both in India & Australia.

CAIR was established in 2023 to enhance overall relations with India and Australia. Our work here doesn’t just limit us to trade and business but extends to culture, sports, people to people connect etc.

The Centre works across all levels of government, industry, academia and civil society to build greater understanding of the Australia-India relationship and the opportunities flowing from our burgeoning connections.

What are some of CAIR’s areas of work?

The centre’s work is focused on four key areas i.e. promoting policy dialogue, building India business literacy & links, engaging the Indian diaspora communities to support bilateral relationship and deepening cultural connections and mutual understanding.

How important is the role of CAIR in boosting relations between the two countries?

Very important I would say. In February this year the Australian government came out with a new roadmap, a blueprint of sorts to foster Australia’s economic engagement with India.

In 2025-26 CAIR will offer up to $10 million in grants under its Maitri program for Australian entities working on identifying and enhancing relations with
India. To date Maitri has supported more than 70 partners with over $15m in projects that support greater exchange and collaboration between Australian and Indian cultural, education, research and business communities.

In addition, there is a $16 million accelerator fund to support Australian companies exploring business opportunities in India.

How would you assess trade relations to have evolved between India-Australia post the signing of the ECTA?

Trade has most certainly grown since the signing of ECTA. Today I understand our bilateral trade is worth about $50 billion with India being in the surplus. There are a whole range of sectors where trade has grown and benefitted.

To give you an example there has been a significant rise in the imports of Avocado to India since the signing of ECTA.

However, there is still much more we can do just in the Agri Fruits sector itself. There are a whole variety of Indian fruits which can be exported from India to Australia.

Coming to the state of Andhra Pradesh. How important is the state of AP in terms of bilateral trade with Australia.

Andhra Pradesh is a very important state in the whole India-Australia relationship. With a business-friendly government we are very optimistic about the state of AP and we are excited about furthering our trade relations with the state.

There is great opportunity for innovation with Australian companies. I visited the AMTZ facility here and had a productive meeting with them. I must say it is a great example where innovation is taking place.

What according to you are some of the key sectors of mutual interest?

There are a slew of sectors that we can collaboratively work upon and which are of focus both for AP and Australia. These sectors include Renewable energy, Agri business, food processing, Education & Skills, Deep tech and Tourism.

What as per you is needed in getting more Australian business to come and set up here?

I think there needs to be more awareness about the benefits of ECTA and how Indian and Australian businesses can take advantage of it.

Another important aspect I would say is that there is a need for hand holding new businesses wanting to come and set up here. This is a very important aspect for Australian companies wanting to enter India.