Prestigious 'Heroes' Award 2025: Mr. Lohani's Contributions to Australia-India Ties Recognized

VASANT VIHAR, India - June 10, 2025 - PRLog -- Mr. Amit Lohani, Founder Director of Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI) and Chairperson of Max Group of Businesses, has been honored with the prestigious 'Hero of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership- 2025' award for his outstanding contributions to strengthening Australia-India trade ties.  During the landmark celebration, the Australian government marked five years of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) with industry leaders and government officials.  The event, presided over by Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, highlighted the significant strides made in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

Since its inception, The India-Australia ECTA has brought significant benefits to the agriculture, food, and beverage sector. Overall, ECTA has strengthened India's food sector by providing access to quality products, promoting competition, and offering a more diverse range of goods to consumers. Simultaneously, Australia has granted zero import duty on 100% of its tariff lines, with 3,185 tariff lines immediately reduced to zero in December 2022, benefiting Indian exporters. Indian exporters have demonstrated a high utilization rate of ECTA, reaching 77% in the first nine months since its implementation. This indicates the agreement's effectiveness in promoting trade between the two nations.

Amidst the presence of distinguished dignitaries — including the Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia; Hon. Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India; and H.E. Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner to India — Mr. Amit Lohani, was honoured as the "Hero of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership- 2025". The recognition highlighted Mr. Lohani's unwavering commitment to fortifying the India–Australia trade corridor, particularly in the agriculture, food, and beverage sectors.

Expressing his appreciation, Mr. Lohani said, "This recognition is a testament to the collaborative spirit between India and Australia. We remain dedicated to building enduring partnerships that enhance consumer choice and contribute to the sustainable growth of both economies."

The celebration reinforced the tangible outcomes of the ECTA and the mutual resolve to further deepen economic engagement. FIFI continues to serve as a key enabler of dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders, ensuring responsible and value-driven trade across the two dynamic markets.

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