Contribution to auto sector growth lauded
By R. Natarajan, Managing Editor
Mr. A.K. Tareen, South Australia’s Senior Trade Commissioner to India, has been chosen for the prestigious ‘Indo Australian Award for Meritorious Service’.
This is the highest Award given away by the Indo Australian Association (IAA), the only bilateral cultural association established 27 years ago to promote closer people-to-people relationships between Australia and India. The Association recognises and honours distinguished people in both countries who have made significant contribution for community development.
The Award was presented to Mr. Tareen by Mr. Peter Varghese, High Commissioner, Australian High Commission, New Delhi, at a special function organised by the Indo Australian Association in Chennai.
Mr. K.V. Mathew, President of the Indo Australian Association, in his welcome address, said, “Mr. Tareen is a unanimous choice for this great honour as he, more than anybody else, has been able to bring Australia and India closer through his significant and systematic efforts”.
Mr. Tareen has been advising the Australian Government and businesses for nearly 17 years during which he has held several senior positions in both the Australian federal and state governments. He is considered one of Australia’s seniormost experts on India and has made a significant contribution to bilateral trade and cultural relationships since 1995.
Mr. Peter Varghese, in his inaugural address, said it is a measure of work done by Mr. Tareen to receive the Award and it is a fitting tribute for him.
Mr. Atul Chandra, Advisor, Reliance Industries Ltd., in his felicitation address, said Mr. Tareen, who has been the unanimous choice for the Award, is a noble-hearted, charming and friendly personality.
Mr. Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director, Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce, while felicitating Mr. Tareen, described him as a most visible person in Austrade and his success lies in his liking any job he handles. He is the 21st century product born in the 20th century. During his tenure at Austrade, he has contributed a lot towards building Indo-Australian bilateral trade, particularly in the automobile sector.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Tareen said he considered the Award presented to him as Oscar Award that came when he completed 25 years of service. Even though Indo-Australian bilateral trade was a meagre $0.5 million when he joined Austrade in 1995, it has grown multifold over the years, Also, with increasing exports from India to Australia, the country has become the fifth largest trading partner. The recent years have also witnessed a 25 per cent year-on-year growth in Australian exports to India.