FLO and AIBC Signs MOU to strengthen India - Australia Bilateral Relations  

“It has never been easy for women; they have always had to strive harder than men to prove themselves. Undoubtedly, this discrimination is unfair. We, as men enjoy all the benefits of work but when it comes to women, the attitude and expectation change. There have been incidents where women have been kept away from the benefits that they rightly deserve”, said H.E A. Gitesh Sarma, High Commissioner of India to Australia during “The International Women’s Day 2021 Boardroom Session” organized by FICCI FLO in association AIBC (Australia India Business Council) and Consulate General of India, Sydney. On the occasion of the International Women’s Day FLO, the female division of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) under the aegis of the Women of 7 Continents (W7) initiative signed MoU with Australia India Business Council (AIBC) Women in Business.

Manish Gupta, Consul General of India, Sidney said, “In reference to the Australia-India corridor, women have left an indelible impact. This MOU will be key towards supporting women-centric chambers for both the countries which will also enhance the bilateral relationships”.

Jahnabi Phookan, National President, FLO said, “The focus of this MOU is to have inclusive trade between two countries. It is important for us to identify the tools that are required for crafting gender-responsive trade policies between our countries. Women empowerment should be enshrined not just by the legislature but in spirit”.

Exports, Imports & trades are going to be the way forward not just during these unprecedented times but also during post-Covid in view of the way the dynamics has changed across the world now & especially with India as there is a huge opportunity. This MOU will unlock huge amount of potential for the development of women entrepreneurs of both our countries.

Through the W7 initiative, FLO proposes to create a worldwide forum for the exchange of information, experience, visibility, and connectivity among women business owners, setting the stage for new opportunities and joint ventures among women entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The session was moderated by Sheba Nandkeolyar, National Chair AIBC Women in Business.