CPA Australia signs MoU with Australia India Business Council at conference celebrating benefits of global trade

CPA Australia and the Australia India Business Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a sign of future collaboration to deepen professional and business ties between Australia and India.

The MoU signing ceremony took place at ECTA Unleashed – a one-day conference hosted by CPA Australia and the Australian (Sydney) chapter of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) exploring the opportunities created by the India-Australia free trade agreement.

Speakers included the NSW Industry and Trade Minister Anoulack Chanthivong, Orica CEO and Managing Director Sanjeev Gandhi, HSBC Chief Economist Paul Blaxham, Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon, and President Global Markets at HCL Tech, Swapan Johri. 

Senior representatives from Austrade, Export Finance Australia and India’s International Financial Services Centres Authority also addressed delegates.

The MoU was signed on behalf of CPA Australia by President and Chair of the Board, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Dale Pinto FCPA, and on behalf of Australia India Business Council by National Chair, Mr Deepak-Raj Gupta OAM (pictured with CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland AM).

Prof. Pinto stated that signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifies both organisations’ commitment to their shared goals, particularly the promotion of the advantages of bilateral cooperation.

“The priority for both CPA Australia and the Australia India Business Council is to strengthen professional and business connections between Australia and India,” he said. “We are delighted to formalise our intention to collaborate through this MoU, paving the way for future policy and advocacy initiatives, as well as our thought leadership activities that champion economic growth in both Australia and India.”

CPA Australia and Australia India Business plan to work together on upcoming research projects, as well as co-host events and seminars centred on finance, accounting and business leadership.

Mr Gupta said: “This MoU opens new opportunities for Australian and Indian businesses. With CPA Australia’s expertise and AIBC’s networks, we will drive initiatives that support growth, innovation and stronger professional ties.”

Prof. Pinto remarked that the ECTA Unleashed conference exemplified the growing political and professional ties between Australia and India, as well as between CPA Australia and ICAI.

“We are delighted to facilitate connections among CPA Australia and ICAI members, business leaders, policymakers and government agencies,” he said. “This conference offered valuable insights into the Australian and Indian markets, enabled exploration of cross-border opportunities, and fostered the growth of professional networks.

“The event included outstanding keynote speeches from esteemed presenters and expert panel discussions, which shed light on our trade relations and the expanding opportunities emerging between our two countries.

“My sincere appreciation goes to ICAI and its Australian Board for their collaboration in making this conference a great success, and to all attendees and guest speakers for their valuable contributions.”

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