India: Challenges and Opportunities

Please join AIIA WA for a special panel event to discuss the great power emerging in the Indian Ocean.

While many developed nations face the problems of an ageing population, a vibrant and youthful demographic is emerging in India. This large, young population, along with extraordinary economic advancements such as the 160 million people lifted out of extreme poverty between 2004 and 2012, provide hope for a broader prosperity as this fiercely independent nation seeks to take a prominent place on the world stage.  
How will India capitalise on the opportunities ahead while striving to overcome the considerable obstacles it faces, as environmental issues, skills shortages and public health challenges threaten to slow its progress?

 Join us as the Indian Consul General to Perth, Mr Amit Kumar Mishra, speaks alongside Professor Anu Rammohan, Associate Dean (International) for the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education UWA, Mr Michael Carter, President of the Australia India Business Council, and Mr Tom Calder, WA State Director of Austrade. 

Our panellists will explore several current topics including Prime Minister Modi’s sudden demonetisation policy, amongst others. Our speakers bring an enormous wealth of knowledge, and this promises to be an enlightening and interesting event.

All attendees are welcome to join us and our speakers for dinner at the Universtity Club after the discussion at a cost of $30 per person. To secure your place click on the Get Tickets button below. If the event does not sell out on line tickets will be available at the door: Cash only- no Eftpos!

About the speakers

Mr Amit Kumar Mishra, Consul General, Consulate General of India Perth 

Mr. Amit Kumar Mishra is a career diplomat. He was working as Indian Consul General in Herat in Western Afghanistan before joining as Consul General in Perth. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2004 and has served in Indian diplomatic missions in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. In his postings abroad, Mr. Mishra has dealt with political, commercial, education, cultural and diaspora issues.

Professor Anu Rammohan, Associate Dean (International) for the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education

Anu Rammohan is Professor of Economics at the University of Western Australia and the Associate Dean (International) for the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education. She is currently serving on the editorial board of the Economic Record, Australia’s top-ranked economics policy journal.

The focus of her research has been on understanding the household-level socio-economic factors that influence child health, gender and food security issues in South and South East Asia, particularly in India, Indonesia and Myanmar. This research has been published in top-tier international academic journals, and has also been funded by competitive research grants from the Australian Research Council, DFAT and the Australia-India Institute. 

Mr Tom Calder, State Director, Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)

Tom Calder is the State Director for the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) in Western Australia and prior to this was Trade Commissioner in New Delhi and Mumbai for over six years.

While in India Tom was responsible for the marketing and promotion of Australian education and training across South Asia encompassing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Tom’s role included working with local Indian institutions, corporates, peak bodies, and government networks to identify opportunities for Australian education and training providers across industries, including transnational education delivery. Under Tom’s leadership Austrade developed many successful partnerships across the higher education and vocational training space; including research collaborations, dual degree and exchange programs, and local institutions offering Australian post graduate certificate programs.

In his spare time he supported the activities of AFL India in building opportunities for disadvantaged young Indians to participate in organised sport using Australian Football as the vehicle. He is a graduate of the University of Western Australia with qualifications in Commerce and Asian Studies.

Mr Michael Carter, President of the Australia India Business Council (WA Chapter)

Michael has over 25 years’ experience in International Engagement and Business Development having held senior management roles in the private sector working abroad and in Australia in commercial and private banking, Food & agribusiness and also in the public sector with the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) for 12 years. During his time with Austrade Michael was Trade commissioner to India from 2007 to 2015 responsible for building bilateral trade and investment between Australia and the South Asian region.

Michael is currently Director, International Engagement for KSI Global Australia which manufactures and distributes an innovative safety roller crash road barrier system internationally. He also has his own international Engagement consultancy Meridan connect. He was recently appointed President of the Australia India Business Council (WA Chapter) in December 2017.