Sydney: In a first-ever initiative taken by any Australian state, the government of New South Wales has embarked on a series of trade initiatives to promote jobs and enhance investment with India.

"The NSW-India bilateral trade is worth over $ 725 million a year, which is 25 per cent of the Australia-India bilateral trade. As one of the most outward looking and largest of Australian states, I want to build a strong and robust relationship with India" NSW Premier Bob Carr said launching the trade Initiatives.

"The measures, first time by any Australian state aims to provide business with an in-depth understanding of the Indian economy and trade and investment opportunities for NSW firms," Carr added.

The first steps announced include a trade mission to major commercial centres of Mumbai and Chennai in December led by NSW's highest trade official Loftus Harris. A high level interaction between the food and beverages companies of the state and India is also on the agenda in February 2003.

A joint seminar "India-challenges and opportunities" is also being organised next month here to explore the opportunities in India.

" We have identified food and wine, film and television, environmental and health services, information and communication technologies, building materials and education services as good prospects matching the advantages of NSW with emerging needs in the Indian economy," Carr said.

PTI