The Andrews Labor Government is this week showcasing the best of Victoria to key buyers and investors from around the world, driving new trade and investment partnerships that will help boost exports and jobs across the state.

Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis today welcomed more than 150 international delegates from 19 countries to the Victoria Invitation Program (VIP), the state’s flagship inbound trade mission.

The mission runs over the next four days, giving delegates the opportunity to meet and network with hundreds of Victorian businesses in international education, international health, e-commerce, fashion, professional services, sports technology and financial services.

Delegates will participate in visits to the state’s top health and medical technology facilities, regional tours of Geelong and Bendigo, e-commerce seminars and an investment and infrastructure forum, all designed to drive new investment in Victoria.

The VIP leverages the success of two of Melbourne’s biggest fashion and sporting events with delegates also heading along to the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival and the Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park.

Since its inception in 2015, the VIP and its events have attracted more than 1,000 international delegates to the state, meeting with more than 1,100 Victorian businesses and generating more than $50 million in actual export sales – with projected sales of more than $280 million.

Inbound trade mission programs are a fantastic opportunity to bring global investors to our doorstep to see first-hand the very best Victoria has to offer.

The VIP, now in its third year, is part of a four-year $12 million Labor Government initiative to build a strong and sustainable inbound trade mission program that will help Victorian businesses drive exports and create more jobs.

 Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis

“This program is all about helping our local businesses make new partnerships that will increase exports and attract more investment to the state, which means the creation of more jobs and a growing economy.”

“Our targeted inbound trade missions are bringing major investors from across the globe to our doorstep to see first-hand why Victoria is a great place to live, work and do business.”