The Morrison Government’s failure to secure new markets for our exporters will be highlighted yet again tomorrow when India releases a crucial report on boosting economic relations with Australia.
 
This is a major test for the Government and whoever eventually replaces Simon Birmingham as the nation’s Trade Minister.
 
Education Minister Dan Tehan, who is auditioning for the role, failed to even mention India when explaining the Government’s record on trade diversification during Question Time this week.
 
With China halting a number of Australian imports since May, it is now painfully clear to many exporters that the Government hasn’t put in the hard yards needed to open up new markets.
 
India’s long-awaited Australia Economic Strategy (AES) has been written by Anil Wadhwa, a highly respected former diplomat.
 
It was developed in response to Australia’s India Economic Strategy (IES), which was written in 2018 by former Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade chief Peter Varghese.
 
The AES is expected to identify trade and investment opportunities for Australia and India in education, infrastructure development, agribusiness, energy, tourism, financial services and defence.
 
The report is a first of its kind for India with any nation, and is aimed at boosting an economic relationship with Australia that is languishing.
 
However, the Morrison Government will need to demonstrate a commitment to the India relationship if there is to be any improvement.
 
Evidence given to Senate Estimates in October revealed that only one of Mr Varghese’s 20 priority recommendations – to set up a new Consulate-General in Kolkata – has been implemented.
 
The Varghese report found no single market over the next 20 years offered more growth opportunities for Australia than India.
 
While the report has been gathering dust since 2018, India’s share of Australian merchandise exports has fallen more than 30 per cent.
 
Releasing the Varghese report two years ago, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he endorsed its findings.
 
Just more proof that he loves making announcements but is never there for the follow-up.