Recognising the importance of Punjab in Indo-Australian bilateral relations, the India-Australia Strategic Alliance (IASA) on Tuesday designated State Industry Minister Madan Mohan Mittal as ambassador to promote better trade, industrial, cultural ties between Punjab and Australia.
IASA chairman Dr Jagvinder Singh Virk called on Mittal. The Minister exchanged views with the visiting dignitary about promoting skill development, entrepreneurship, bilateral co-operation in industry, commerce, dairy farming, food processing and mining.
Mittal emphasised increasing trade and industrial relations between Punjab and Australian Governments. He said that the Punjab Government is fully committed to encourage business, cultural and educational exchanges with Australia.
Briefing the dignitary about the transparency brought about by the State Government in its functioning, Mittal said that an online single room service has been started for every department for which a Nodal Officer is appointed with the powers of director.
Virk said that by year 2020, about 60 per cent of the skilled labour force in Australia would be Indian and India has a large number of younger population, so India cannot be ignored from skill development point of view.