Australian High Commissioner Patrick Suckling held discussions with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on business ties between Madhya Pradesh and Australia here today. Chief Minister Chouhan said that like Australia, Madhya Pradesh is also an arid soil zone. Australia may become partner of Madhya Pradesh by disseminating farming techniques in arid areas. It can also extend cooperation in dairy and other allied, micro irrigation and sports.

Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh is the fastest growing State in the country. Its growth rate is 11.08 percent and agriculture growth rate 24.99 percent. Milk production growth rate in the State is over 8 percent. Efforts are on to increase it. Endeavour is being made to increase farmers' income. Chouhan thanked Australia for becoming a partner in the Global Investors Summit. He said that the Australian delegation led by its Commerce and Investment Minister coming to New Delhi in January should also be sent to Bhopal.

Australian High Commissioner Suckling said that cooperation is possible between Australia and Madhya Pradesh in sectors like dairy, storage, transport and mining. Better work has also been done in Australia in infrastructure and water management sectors. Madhya Pradesh may seek collaboration from an Australian State with similar geographical conditions like Queensland. Work can also be done in tandem by focusing on some other sectors.

He informed that several major Australian companies are coming to India for investment. They can be informed about investment opportunities available in Madhya Pradesh. Commerce and Industries Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia said that Madhya Pradesh holds better investment possibilities. Information about it will be given to the Australian delegation coming to India in January.

Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa, Australia's Economic Counsellor Ian Turland, Trade Commissioner Nicola Watkinson and Secretary to CM Vivek Agrawal were also present on the occasion.