Victoria will be at the centre of talks on future economic opportunities for the Asia Pacific region today as hundreds of high-level business, government and academic leaders converge in Melbourne for the prestigious Boao Forum for Asia.
The three-day event is a chance to showcase Victoria’s strengths to top business leaders as they explore the region’s key challenges and opportunities with discussions on globalisation, e-commerce, free trade agreements, commodities and overseas investment.
The 2016 forum is a coup for Victoria, reinforcing the state’s growing position as a leading international hub of business, trade and investment.
The Boao Forum was established by key leaders from across the Asia Pacific in 1998, including former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, and aims to strengthen economic relationships throughout the region.
This will be the first time it has been held in Victoria, with visiting international delegates given the chance to network one-on-one with local businesses to explore potential trade and investment opportunities.
China remains Victoria’s number one trading partner contributing an enormous amount to the state’s economy, with two-way trade valued at more than $20 billion in 2015.
The Andrews Labor Government continues to grow its strong relationship with the region, releasing its China strategy Partnerships for Prosperity in April this year, outlining Victoria’s clear vision to be the Australian gateway into the Asian markets.
In the last six months Victoria has held a number of major global events including the Australia-Japan Joint Business Cooperation Conference, the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress and the International Mining and Resources Conference.
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews
“With our economy now growing faster than it has in almost a decade, Victoria is the perfect place to host these important discussions on the future of our region.”
“The Boao Forum for Asia is a great opportunity to show the leaders of Asia why our state is fast becoming a top global destination to live, work and do business.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“The Boao Forum sets the agenda for the fastest growing region in the world.”
“It allows us to have high-level talks with government, business and academic leaders, and is also a great opportunity for our local businesses to show Asia’s business elite that we really do have the best of everything.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020