Australia seeks partners in cricket & Biz

New Delhi: The Australian Government is set to launch the Match Australia business networking program on Thursday for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand next year.

Developed by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), Match Australia is the Australian Government’s International Sports Business Program, connecting Australian businesses with global partners through major sporting events.

Renowned Indian Cricket Commentator Harsha Bhogle, South Australian Minister for Tourism, Recreation and Sport Leon Bignell, and ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 CEO John Harnden will join Acting Australian High Commissioner Bernard Philip and Austrade’s Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner, South Asia, Nicola Watkinson, for the sporting and business enterprise.

The Australian Trade Commission, in partnership with Australian State and Territory governments, will host Indian business delegations during the tournament to do business and network with Australian business leaders during the cricket matches.
    
The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, which runs from February 14 to March 29, will be the biggest sporting event in the world next year. With an expected television audience of one billion people and more than one million people expected to attend the tournament, Match Australia will help promote Australian capability and enhance business opportunities across trade, investment, education and tourism with India.

Philip said Match Australia would provide Indian and Australian businesses with the perfect opportunity to connect during the Cricket World Cup and explore partnership activities. “Australia and India share a common love for cricket and our cricketing ties go back almost 70 years -  the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup will be keenly followed in both countries,” he said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to see India, the reigning champions, in action and use the Match Australia business program to explore some of the tremendous trade and investment opportunities between India and Australia.”

Ms Watkinson said the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is a significant platform to further enhance the Australia – India trade and investment relationship and people-to-people links.

“We welcome Indian businesses to Australia to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, to not only enjoy the cricket, but to also see for yourself, the business and investment opportunities on offer and meet with Australian businesses,” she said.

“We are a major trading nation with a $1.5 trillion economy – now entering its 23rd consecutive year of growth. Australia has a great sporting events industry, but it is also home to globally significant companies across a range of industries. Australia is also known as a world class education destination. Our universities regularly rank among the world’s very best.
 
“The Match Australia business program will connect Indian businesses with Australian partners and key business and investment opportunities in Australia. The Australian Government would be pleased to host you during your visit and organise a series of business matching and networking activities, based on your specific business interests.”

Harnden, who will be accompanied by the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Trophy, said the tournament would be a showcase for Australian sporting excellence.

“Australia has a world-class reputation for hosting and delivering major international sporting events and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will be no different,” he said.

“We have been working very closely with governments in Australia and New Zealand to provide the opportunity for Indian businesses to network in Australia which is why we are here in partnership with Austrade today. It is important an event like the Cricket World Cup leaves a legacy for both countries, on and off the field.”