INDIA — TRADE COMMISSIONER
282. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Minister for State Development,
Jobs and Trade:
I have a supplementary question. I think
the minister is aware that Japan is quite some distance from India. Is he also
aware that Western Australia's reputation —
Mr D.J. Kelly: There's
a Liberal Party connection!
Dr D.J. HONEY: I care about
trade with India.
The SPEAKER: Minister for
Water, please do not interject.
Dr D.J. HONEY: I care about
trade with India.
Is the minister also aware that Western
Australia's reputation has been significantly impacted across Asia
because of his government's decision to remove the permanent
commissioners from our key markets, especially from our friends and allies in
India, South Korea and Indonesia?
Mr R.H.
COOK replied:
We have the strongest trade figures
in history with Asia. We have very strong relationships, both cultural and
economic, right across the region as a result of the activities of this
government. Certainly before COVID-19 hit, we had strong engagement right
across the Indian market. I undertook a mission, I think it was in 2018, and I see
the former Minister for Tourism undertook four missions and I know the Premier
himself undertook missions. I remember back in 2018, the trade mission that I undertook
was frenetic because it had been so long since a state government minister had
been to India to engage with people face to face. There was a waitlist as long
as my arm of organisations and governments, particularly in Andhra Pradesh,
that we needed to meet.
I
do not think the member should be coming into this chamber on behalf of his
group to talk about engagement with South-East Asia and West Asia.