Sydney: Indian economic reforms have created significant opportunities for Australian companies, according to Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile.

Vaile, who was recently on an India visit to take part in the two-day Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting held in New Delhi, said, "India's ongoing reform process provides opportunities for Australian companies in sectors such as oil, gas and energy development, education, specialist health care services and agriculture."

He also said, "in all my discussions, I urged the Indian government to continue to open its economy and explore ways of expanding its commercial relationship with Australia."

Vaile was leading a business delegation comprising representatives from more than 35 Australian companies, who participated in the 14th India-Australia Joint Business Council Meeting.

During the JMC discussions, both countries "agreed to bring our officials together for talks to clarify procedures and to explore ways of facilitating settlement of quarantine disputes," he said.

The Australian minister, who met with senior members of the Union Cabinet including the Ministers for Finance, Agriculture, Petroleum and Natural Gas and Education, was "particularly impressed with the range of opportunities available to the business sectors from both countries in each other's markets.

"There are natural complementaries that will see the Australian and Indian trade and investment relationship grow," he hoped.

PTI