Eight Indigenous-owned businesses will take part in an historic First Nations Business Mission to India, to explore opportunities in the nation’s booming mining sector.
The seven-day mission in October and November, led by the Perth USAsia Centre, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) and the Indigenous Emerging Business Forum (IEBF), is the first of its kind to India.
The eight businesses from Western Australia were selected from a strong field of applicants in the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector. The Aboriginal Business Directory WA was used to inform First Nations businesses about the mission through a curated EOI process.
The delegation will visit Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, in India’s mining heartland, where the businesses will showcase their expertise and innovation at India’s largest mining conference, the International Mining, Equipment and Minerals Exhibition.
Throughout the mission, the delegates will connect with Indian businesses, industry groups and government, making vital links to a rapidly growing market.
Perth US Asia Centre Research Director, Dr Kate O’Shaughnessy, said India is set to be the world’s third biggest economy by the end of this decade.
“There is huge opportunity stemming from India’s growth, so it’s vital that First Nations businesses are part of the growing Australia-India trade and investment relationship,” she said.
CCIWA’s Head of International Trade, Michael Carter, said the business mission will connect Indigenous businesses with direct opportunities in India.
“India’s mining industry is turbo-charging its economy – now is the time for Western Australia’s world-class mining and services sector to get involved in this dynamic market,” he said.
CEO of the Indigenous Emerging Business Forum, John O’Driscoll, said the historic nature of the business mission presented a unique opportunity.
“This gives Western Australia’s First Nations businesses the chance to showcase their excellence to the world,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to taking part in the mission, and to seeing participants grow their businesses into the export market.”
The mission is fully funded and supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as part of its commitment to an inclusive international trade and investment agenda that drives economic growth for all Australians, including First Nations people and communities.
About the businesses:
The eight WA Indigenous-owned businesses selected for the India mission are:
A majority First Nation owned company that retrofits diesel mining trucks to full electric.
100% First Nations owned company manufacturing sustainable cleaning products for the mining sector, including Fuel Kleen – a chemical to improve fuel efficiency.
WA’s largest 100% First Nations owned business, providing a range of services to the mining sector including labour and plant hire.
Majority First Nations and female owned company, providing engineering services to the mining sector.
100% First Nations owned company, providing safety equipment and testing to the mining industry.
Majority First Nations owned company manufacturing conveyor products and systems for the mining industry.
Majority First Nations owned and female led business, providing technical services and equipment to the mining industry.
100% First Nations owned and female led business, supplying gas and cryogenic services
