TWO years after Melbourne gained international headlines over alleged racial abuse of Indian students, a Victorian delegation including Warrnambool’s Joe Piper will rebuild the bridges.
A 220-delegate deputation led by Premier Ted Baillieu and Tourism Minister Louise Asher will leave on an official mission to India on February 21.
Mr Piper, the South West Institute of TAFE chief executive officer, will help open new opportunities in the education sector.
“South-west Victoria traditionally hasn’t had a big Indian presence, but new markets are available to us, as for the whole Victorian TAFE sector, to service the enormous potential in India,” he said. “Certainly any opportunity for the south-west would be explored.
“International education is worth $5 billion to Victoria and 45 per cent of that is with India.
“This is a trade mission to explore opportunities for partnership and business.”
Mr Piper was selected after applying for a government grant to off-set travel costs.
It will be his first visit to the sub-continent.
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