Gallery

Last Week's Meeting 16 April 25

The meeting was opened by MC Peter Dakin with the acknowledgement of traditional owners and those present.  Tony Battaini delivered the weekly reflection, the transcript of which is included later in this bulletin.  VP Mary Barry deputised for President Catherine proposing the loyal toast, and returned to the podium to welcome members and guests, in particular guest speaker AK Tareen, and two former members and Club Directors, Daryl Hawkey and Peter Washusen and his wife Bev. Peter and Bev have moved to Newcastle where Peter is now President of the Rotary Club of Newcastle Sunrise. Peter and Mary exchanged banners in the usual way.

After routine announcements, Past President Chris Sotiropoulos and introduced AK Tareen who has served Australia in its trade relationship with India for over 40 years.

In his address, Tareen provided an insightful and comprehensive overview of international trade and investment dynamics based on his 37 years of experience. He highlighted the significant role of trade in connecting civilizations, promoting peace, and fostering prosperity. Tareen recounted his career journey, including his tenure as Australia's longest-serving commercial representative in India, where he facilitated over $2 billion in trade and investment.

Tareen underscored the evolving landscape of global trade, marking the shift from a liberalised economy to the recent wave of protectionism and trade wars. He emphasized the importance of imports, not as a negative economic indicator, but as a vital component for growth and development. Tareen also addressed the current geopolitical challenges, illustrating how tariffs and trade barriers impact global stability and cooperation.

He called for mature global leadership and cooperation to ensure the benefits of globalization are more inclusively enjoyed. By drawing on historical examples and personal anecdotes, such as his involvement in developing Australia's strategic trade relations with India, Tareen advocated for open, equitable, and respectful trade practices. He concluded with a reflection on Rotary's role in promoting peace and prosperity through trade and cultural understanding. 

Three questions focused on

• Tit-for- tat response to actions of an unreasonable part. Tareen insisted that tit-for-tat responses are an immature response – the issues behind tariffs, for example typically are in response to domestic issues and political promises; Trade barriers do not work anymore; and while some segments of most countries have not shared fully in the benefits of free trade, the need is for leader to collectively act to achieve more inclusive outcomes.  He cited a compelling potential issue for trade barriers were relied upon:  imagine the world reaction to the small number of countries that developed Covid 19 vaccines had not been willing to share them!
• Accomplishments and priorities of Rotary Club of Chenai (Madras): In its 96 years the Club has made many positive contributions. Highlights include (i) Leadership on ending polio in India; (ii). Extensive assistance to victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami; and (iii). Working extensively with BoysTown to shelter underprivileged kids, support their schooling and mentor them in their career and life.
• The State of Australia – India Relations: Tareen mentioned many positives: Strong 2-way trade; cooperation on security and defence, membership of the QUAD security & intelligence partnership alongside Australia, Japan, and the United States. 

After presenting the usual gift and thanking Tareen Chris Sotiropoulos remined members of next week’s lunch at #35 Restaurant at Sofitel on Collins.

Our Guest Speaker will be Ambassador Dr Elias Munshya, High Commissioner to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Republic of Zambia Speaking on:  ‘Australia-Africa & International Chamber Dialogue: Unlocking Global Opportunities with Zambia’.

Chris closed the meeting wishing all a happy and safe Easter Break.

AK Tareen’s has kindly provided a copy of his Address Transcript Rotary_Melbourne_speech_AK_Tareen_version_2_1.pdf.

To view the full meeting proceedings click here

To view AK Tareen’s address click here