In the midst of strained diplomatic ties between Australia and China, Australian enterprises are increasingly turning their attention to India, the world’s fastest-growing major economy, in pursuit of substantial investments.
Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that over the past three years, the figures have witnessed unprecedented and exponential growth, indicating a staggering increase of over 210%. As a result, the total Indian investment in Australia now stands at an impressive $35 billion.
Rama Bhalla, President of the Sydney Investors and Professionals Business Network, is set to host the largest-ever delegation of Indian investors in Australia, scheduled for this month in Sydney. He emphasizes that no other nation enjoys such remarkable market access to India, with businesses from both countries intensifying their collaboration.
This distinguished group comprises 30 top Indian investors, joined by a dozen investors from the Middle East, Hong Kong, and China, collectively holding billions of dollars in capital. They are converging on Sydney for #CapTech2023, one of Australia’s premier events dedicated to business networking and capital mobilization.
Mr. Bhalla comments, “India’s vast and rapidly expanding market presents new opportunities for Australian businesses, particularly those in their growth and startup phases.” He notes the evolving nature of India’s historically closed and protectionist economy, with a growing eagerness to invest in Australian enterprises. There’s currently a tremendous appetite among Indian businesses for investments in Australia.
Key sectors of interest for these investors encompass education, healthcare, clean energy, financial services, AI, real estate, agriculture, food processing, and critical minerals. Western Sydney is also under their radar, given its underrepresentation and pressing infrastructure needs.
The Indian delegation’s agenda includes meetings with Simon Hickey, CEO of Western Sydney International Airport, and attendance at business presentations hosted by Parramatta and Penrith Councils.
Notable members of the delegation include Iqbal Singh, founder of financial advisory firm Innovative Consultants; Sahil Makkar, Chairman and CEO of Punjab Angels Network; and Dr. Atul Mehta, Senior VP of Sales at Razorpay.
#CapTech2023 is scheduled to take place in Sydney from October 24 to 27. One of its highly anticipated sessions is the global pitching session, where two Australian and two international companies will pitch their ideas to a global assembly of investors in a format reminiscent of the TV show “Shark Tank.”
The four finalists selected for this global pitching session include:
- Pokit Innovations: Their electrical measurement device, powered by an upgradable modular app, delivers precise measurements and streamlined data analysis.
- Axiom Holographics: A leading holographic developer supplying its technology to private companies and military organizations worldwide.
- Misscallpay: An Indian fintech company enabling cashless payments without the need for smartphones or an internet connection.
- Agri Bolo: An online platform facilitating a two-way rural distribution and market linkage network for farmers.
Last year’s event resulted in four companies successfully securing major business deals and signing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) worth over $180 million.
Highlights of the CapTech2023 event include:
- Welcome Drinks at NSW Parliament
- Global summit at the International Convention Centre Sydney
- Western Sydney tour, including visits to Parramatta and Penrith Councils and business presentations at Western Sydney Airport
- “Shark Tank-style” capital pitching session
- Business matchmaking sessions
About #CapTech2023:
Taking place in Sydney from October 24 to 27, #CapTech2023 boasts an impressive lineup of key speakers, including the Director of the Trustworthy Digital Society Hub, The Hon. Victor Dominello, University of Wollongong VC and President Professor Patricia Davidson, Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn, and Arab Bank Australia CEO and Managing Director Dr. Joseph Rizk.
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