Western Australia's Dy. Premier to visit AP to strengthen Sister State relationship

New Delhi [India], August 31 (ANI): Alongside attending Australia Business Week in the national capital, Deputy Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook will be travelling to Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, during his week-long trip to India that commenced on August 29.

The trip focuses on growing Western Australia's business relationships in India, healthcare and new Sister State relationship.

Andhra Pradesh and Western Australia signed a Sister State Agreement in December 2016, and since then both parties have been working to establish public and private sector partnerships in a variety of fields, reads a media statement by Government of Western Australia.

It also says that the Deputy Premier is expected to meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and together witness the formalisation of a number of these partnerships in areas such as road safety, education, geology and public service.

"I look forward to representing the new Government at Australia Business Week in India, and building on work done over a number of years to grow our presence in India, like the new Sister State agreement with Andhra Pradesh," said Deputy Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook.

Adding, "India is fast becoming a world leader in the development of new medical technologies and research, and during this trip I'll be exploring how Western Australian companies can play a part in this growth."

The delegation that will accompany the Deputy Premier comprise of:

- Emma Collyer, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Deputy Premier of Western Australia;

- Peter Baldwin, Regional Director (India), Government of Western Australia's Trade Office;

- Svetha Venkatram, Government Relations Manager, Australian Consulate General;

- Maurice Johnson, Security Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian High Commission.

India and Western Australia's total trade was valued at 2.14 billion dollars in 2016-17, with gold and copper products among India's top imports. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI