Australia trying to woo back Indian students

As per 2009-10 figures,about 600,000 foreign students were studying in Australia of which 100,000 were from India,Casrter said. In the past there have been random attacks on Indian students and the Australian government has taken a “serious view” of the matter,Carter said.

In a bid to woo students back to Australia,he explained law enforcement facility has been expanded,the court system streamlined and various help lines and social networks in collaboration with Indian students set up.

Both the governments are committed to ensure Indian students get good education in Australia and are safe,he added.

Stating that the relationship between the two countries as stronger than ever before,he said India was the third largest trading partner of Australia. There has been an increase in investments from Australia to India and vice versa,he said.

Carter,who will be overseeing trade and investment activities in South India from next month,said India-Australia trade was worth 22 billion Australian dollars and 80 per cent was in resources sector.

India buys large quantities of coal,gold,copper and LNG,he said adding infrastructure,education,agri business and agriculture would be the areas Australia would be

focussing on.

Organised by the Australian Government,the fair has covered 7 cities so far,including Kochi.