31 August 2017 PA-CN/17/10
Strengthening ties between Western Australia and Andhra Pradesh
The state of Western Australia and Andhra Pradesh signed a Sister State Agreement in December 2016, and since then both parties have been working together to establish public and private sector partnerships in a variety of fields.
In a significant step forward in strengthening this economic relationship, Deputy Premier of Western Australia, Hon. Roger Cook met with Hon. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri. N. Chandrababu Naidu and other key Andhra Pradesh Ministers at the new green fields’ capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati on 31 August.
This visit was facilitated by the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board, a single point of contact for trade, investments and partnerships in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
During the meetings, Chief Minister Naidu and Deputy Premier Cook announced the formalisation of a number of partnerships in the areas of education, mining, geology, road safety, and professional development cooperation.
The two leaders agreed to finalise, as soon as possible, arrangements for collaboration between the two state governments under the Sister State Agreement involving:
- the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety supplying technical assistance to the AP Department of Mines and Geology to support geological mapping necessary for attracting investment into the mining sector; and
- a professional staff development exchange between the AP Economic Development Board and the WA Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Chief Minister Naidu and Deputy Premier Cook also agreed on the importance of finalising, as soon as possible, an agreement between Curtin University and partners in Andhra Pradesh to establish a world-class Mining Institute in the state.
During their meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of an articulation agreement between Acharya Nagarjuna University and Curtin University, under which students can receive advanced standing (credit) for studies at Acharya Nagarjuna University on beginning a new course at Curtin University.
Chief Minister Naidu and Deputy Premier Cook also looked forward to the earliest conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between the AP Department of Roads and Transport and Western Australian company KSI Global under which its unique roller safety barriers will be trialled on a notorious 'black spot' on the road to Tirupati temple.
The two leaders also looked forward to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University and the University of Western Australia for research and teaching collaborations in the field of drylands agriculture once approvals from the centre were finalised.
Mr Cook is in India as part of the Federal Government’s Australia Business Week in India (ABWI) initiative promoting Australian capabilities and investment opportunities.
Speaking about the visit to Andhra Pradesh, Mr Cook said, “I look forward to building on the work done over a number of years to grow our presence in India, especially the new Sister State agreement with Andhra Pradesh.”
J.Krishna Kishore, Chief Executive Officer, Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board said that “Western Australia has always placed Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of its international partnerships and we hope to raise this partnership in the fields as diverse as economy, public policy, trade, investment education, technology, innovation and culture”
Western Australia’s total trade with India was valued at $2.14 billion in 2016-17, with gold and copper products among the top exports. Western Australian companies are already active in Andhra Pradesh, with NSL Consolidated operating and expanding a low-grade iron ore mining and beneficiation operation, and Geomysore Services (India) soon to commence gold mining operations, both in Kurnool District.