About Us IV

Speech by Ravi Raghupathy

at the Launch of the Australia Asia India Business Organisation (AAIBO)

Victorian Parliament House

Time: 12:10 PM to 12:20 PM

Honourable Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, esteemed business leaders from across Australia and Asia, ladies and gentlemen,

It is with immense pride and enthusiasm that I stand before you today to mark a significant milestone: the launch of the Australia Asia India Business Organisation, or AAIBO. Today, we embark on a journey of collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity, one that bridges our diverse cultures and unites us in our common goals of economic growth and mutual understanding.

AAIBO is not just another organization. It is a vision, a mission, and a movement. A vision to foster strong, sustainable economic ties between Australia, Asia, and India. A mission to create a platform where business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs can come together to address common challenges and seize emerging opportunities. And a movement to make this collaboration a model of prosperity and progress for the world.

The Establishment of AAIBO and Regional Offices

We are already making remarkable strides. In recent months, we have seen an overwhelming interest from business leaders across the region, from Dubai to Thailand, and from Japan to Indonesia, all eager to partner with AAIBO. This interest reflects not only the recognition of the potential that lies within this partnership but also the trust and goodwill that Australia has earned as a beacon of opportunity and innovation.

Our plan is to establish regional offices in these key economic hubs, ensuring that AAIBO is a truly global network. These offices will serve as the nerve centers for our initiatives, fostering collaboration, exchange of ideas, and facilitating business ventures that will benefit all involved.

Vibrant Victoria 2025: A Future of Prosperity

One of our most ambitious initiatives is “Vibrant Victoria 2025,” a vision that positions Victoria as a hub of economic activity, innovation, and cultural exchange within the Australia-Asia-India corridor. Through this initiative, we aim to attract more investment, talent, and partnerships to Victoria, leveraging our strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and commitment to sustainability.

By 2025, we envision a Victoria that is more vibrant, more dynamic, and more interconnected with the economies of Asia and India than ever before. A Victoria that is a preferred destination for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. A Victoria that leads by example in showcasing the benefits of international collaboration.

The Need for a Minister Portfolio: Promoting ‘Made in Australia’

To realize this vision, we must think strategically and act boldly. Therefore, I call upon our policymakers to consider the creation of a dedicated Minister Portfolio to promote Australian-made products on the international stage. In a world increasingly driven by global supply chains and digital commerce, it is imperative that we champion our local industries, our unique innovations, and our high-quality products.

A Minister dedicated to promoting ‘Made in Australia’ will not only boost our export markets but also instill a sense of pride and confidence in our local producers. We must tell the world that Australian-made means quality, integrity, and sustainability. This is not just a policy proposal; it is a commitment to supporting our manufacturers, our farmers, our creators, and our innovators.

Supporting Small Business Owners in Asia

While we pursue these goals, let us not forget the backbone of our economies – the small business owners. From the bustling markets of Bangkok to the emerging startups in Bengaluru, small business owners play a crucial role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and building communities. Yet, they face numerous challenges: limited access to finance, bureaucratic hurdles, and the ever-present threat of being outcompeted by larger corporations.

AAIBO will advocate for initiatives that support these entrepreneurs, including facilitating their participation in Australian Made Expos, where they can showcase their products, learn from their peers, and establish connections that will help them grow and thrive. We believe that empowering these small businesses is not just a matter of economic necessity; it is a moral imperative. It is about giving a voice to those who often go unheard and ensuring that the benefits of globalization are shared by all.

A Five-Year Action Plan for AAIBO

Ladies and gentlemen, AAIBO has a clear and focused five-year action plan:

1. Strengthening Partnerships: Establish regional offices in key Asian markets and build a network of strategic partnerships to drive collaboration.
2. Promoting Australian Made: Lobby for a dedicated Minister Portfolio and launch a global marketing campaign to enhance the visibility of Australian products.
3. Empowering Small Businesses: Organize expos, workshops, and training programs that connect small business owners from Asia with Australian markets.
4. Innovation and Technology: Foster a culture of innovation by promoting technology transfer, research collaborations, and digital transformation across borders.
5. Cultural Exchange: Enhance cultural understanding and cooperation through exchange programs, events, and joint initiatives that celebrate our diverse heritage.

Conclusion: A Way Forward

The launch of AAIBO today is a testament to our shared commitment to a future where Australia, Asia, and India walk together, hand in hand, toward prosperity and success. This is a future where opportunities are abundant, where barriers are broken, and where our businesses, big and small, can thrive in a global market that values quality, innovation, and partnership.

Let us move forward with determination, with vision, and with the belief that together, there is nothing we cannot achieve. The journey starts now, and I invite each one of you to be a part of this exciting venture.

Thank you.