PA/51/10 9 September 2010
South Australian Premier on fifth visit to India
Witnesses signing of Defence industries MOU with CII
On his fifth official visit to India, the Premier of South Australia, The Hon. Mike Rann, today witnessed the signing of an MOU between the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Department of Trade and Economic Development of South Australia at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi.
Welcoming the signing, Premier Rann said “my state of South Australia is known as the Defence state of Australia, with over 200 defence companies now based in South Australia and a defence project pipeline of over A$40billion.”
“Many of South Australia’s defence companies are eager to work with Indian companies in developing defence products and services for India. They also recognise the important role that CII plays in liaising with both Government and industry in India.”
Australian High Commissioner, Peter Varghese, also welcomed the signing. “This is another example of the great potential that exists in the defence field between Australia and India. As the strategic outlooks of our two Indian Ocean nations converge, and as we expand cooperation under the India-Australia Strategic Partnership, we anticipate more such initiatives will emerge in the years ahead.”
Mr Rann, who has led the state’s defence push, is accompanied by five defence companies on his visit to Delhi today:
Codan- High frequency radios used in border patrols
Minelab – Mine detectors
Lockheed Martin Australia – Over the Horizon radar
Daronmont- Coastal radar systems
Prism Defence Systems – Helicopter guidance systems for ships
During his visit, Premier Rann has played a cricket match against a team led by the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He will visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar tomorrow at the invitation of South Australia’s long-standing Sikh community.
Premier Rann has also met with the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and will meet the Chief Minister of Delhi this afternoon.
For further information, please contact: A.K Tareen on 9840289402