Australian High Commissioner meets AP Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan

Vijayawada, March 08:An Australian delegation led by the High Commissioner to India Mr. Barry O’ Farrell along with Sarah Kirlew, Consul General in Chennai, met Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan at Raj Bhavan on Monday.

Mr. O’ Farrell informed the Governor that the relationship between Australia and India is very strong because of several initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Australian High Commissioner said he took charge in May, 2020 during middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and watched closely India’s response to overcome the pandemic situation.

Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan said the Covid-19 vaccination programme launched by the Central government has provided the much needed relief to people to carry on with their regular activities and the economy is also on a recovery mode. Mr. Barry O’ Farrell informed the Governor that this is his first visit to Andhra Pradesh and that Australia is keen to promote trade and investment relations with India and is looking at opportunities for investments in Andhra Pradesh.

The High Commissioner said Australia is already having agreements with Andhra Pradesh in AP MedTech Zone in Visakhapatnam, coal mines, solar panels, fixing of IoT (Internet of Things) devices to feeders under ‘Village Energy’ programme and keen to expand further investments in electric vehicles, manufacturing of EVM batteries, minerals exploration etc.

The Australian High Commissioner invited Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan to visit Australia at the earliest opportunity. Governor Harichandan felicitated the Australian High Commissioner with a memento and shawl. R. Karikal Valaven, Special Chief Secretary, Industries & Commerce, J. Subramanyam, CEO, AP Economic Development Board, Mukesh Kumar Meena, Secretary to Governor were also present during the meeting.