Mumbai: In a bid to increase trade ties between India and Western Australia, Dr (hon) Geoff Gallop MLA, Premier of Western Australia will visit India between October 1 and October 10, 2005. Western Australia is the largest state in Australia.

India is Western Australia's fourth largest trading partner which is mainly driven by the export of gold and mineral resources. Recent developments by India in the field of mining, biotechnology and energy requirements, have also enhanced its prospects as a global trade partner.

Western Australia is the first state from Australia to have a permanent presence in India through its trade offices in Mumbai and Chennai established in 1996.

Dr Gallop's visit will include meetings with various leading industrialists from India Inc and key political Ministers and bureaucrats to explore tie-ups in LNG and mineral resources. He is also here to promote Western Australia's premium wine growing region of Margaret River.