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VISIT: India's Vanlalvawna Bawidlung, centre, met with, from left Craig Swingler, Deputy Mayor Clare McLaughlin, Whyalla Chamber Of Commerce and Industry president Ron Hay, Sotos Stuppos and Cory Preiss. Picture: Whyalla News
Whyalla Deputy Mayor Clare McLaughlin believes Whyalla is well-placed to take advantage of increased overseas interest in our city.
Cr McLaughlin was speaking after a meeting with the Consulate General of India Vanlalvawna Bawidlung in Whyalla this month. She was joined by Whyalla Chamber of Commerce Ron Hay as they talked about India, business and investment opportunities in Whyalla.
“It is always good to see keen interest in our city from investors no matter where they come from,” Cr McLaughlin said.
“Thanks largely to the purchase of our steelworks by Mr Sanjeev Gupta and his GFG Alliance, we are starting to see more and more companies, locally and overseas, looking at Whyalla as an attractive investment and trade prospect.”
This was backed by Mr Bwidlung when he said there could be future export opportunities between Whyalla and India.
“There are export opportunities from both sides, many products do go from South Australia to India,” he said.
“Beyond that, many of the resource centres need to be introduced to some of the products we have in India. Whether it’s garments, leather boots, automobile components, I think there are a lot of opportunities there and we need to talk to the business community about them.
“I don’t have a concrete agenda but I’m open to discuss anything that both sides can benefit from, hopefully we can develop a win-win relationship.”
After a tour around the city, Mr Bawidlung had some high words of praise for Whyalla.
“You have a beautiful bay,” he said. “I would recommend that people come to visit this beautiful city.”
Cr McLaughlin said these observations were encouraging for Whyalla as the city continues its push to attract more people here for the increasing opportunities and the region’s livability.
“The excellent lifestyle we have to offer here in Whyalla will complement the increased job and business opportunities we are going to see here,” Cr McLaughlin said.
“Mr Gupta has repeatedly said that he’d like to see our city be a place where people come to live and work so more opportunities in trade and investment with overseas interests will go a long way to achieving this.
“We have the foundation with the growing industry, community amenities, educational facilities, cultural diversity and a positive attitude that is going to make Whyalla a place to be whether you are an industry, a worker or even an international student looking to study in Australia.”
Mr Hay said he was excited to have an open discussion with the Consulate General about opportunities between Whyalla and India.
“The great thing about it is that there is a very true focus on Whyalla and the opportunities we may be able to provide to the outside world,” he said.
“We know there are connections with GFG Alliance and what they bring to Whyalla, as well as what they bring to the export market.”
- with the Whyalla News