DW BUREAU / Chandigarh India Australia Strategic Alliance, a key player promoting the bilateral relationship and economic cooperation between India and Australia, has announced further growth and development opportunities for Punjab under the recently signed Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) between the two countries. The growing economic and trade activities between India and Australia are expected to bring more investments, trade cooperation and economic development to Punjab. The trade agreement will deliver new market access opportunities for Australian businesses and consumers and the state of Punjab in North India, with its rich resources of agriculture and related industries, stands to benefit in the area of business & trade deals, skill development, increased employment, education among others. The opportunity is expected to bring more investment and growth opportunities for the states of Punjab, Haryana and the entire North India. The ECTA agreement, signed on April 2, 2022, will provide duty-free access to Indian exporters of over 6,000 broad sectors. Punjab's labour-intensive sectors are expected to gain immensely, including agriculture, dairy, textiles and apparel, furniture and sports goods. Australia is India's key bilateral partner across sectors and is also a key exporter of raw materials in India. At the same time, India exports finished products from Australia, which creates a win-win opportunity for the two countries. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jagvinder Singh Virk, Chairman, India Australia Strategic Alliance, said "India and Australia have a solid and positive relationship, characterized by cooperation in various areas, including trade and investment, education, defence and security, and culture. Both countries are committed to strengthening their ties and have held regular high-level bilateral meetings between their leaders and ministers to discuss ways to expand cooperation. The agreement brings together two major economies of the world. (editor@dailyworld.in)