- Published:
- Thursday 26 February 2015
The Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Adem Somyurek, today reaffirmed the Victorian Government’s strong commitment to support international trade opportunities between Victoria and Hong Kong.
Celebrating Chinese New Year with the Hong Kong Trade and Economic Office, Mr Somyurek underlined Victoria’s efforts to attract investment and trade from overseas to promote economic diversity and growth.
Hong Kong is a major international financial centre and a leading trading economy.
Victorian merchandise exports to Hong Kong were worth $702 million in 2013-14, including gold, fruit and nuts, meat and milk and cream. Imports from Hong Kong during that period were valued at $472 million, including optical goods, printed matter, textiles and telecommunication equipment.
Hong Kong is also an important inbound tourism market. There were 71,900 visitors from Hong Kong to Victoria in the year ending September 2014.
China is Victoria’s largest trading partner. Last financial year there was $16 billion dollars of two-way merchandise trade between Victoria and China.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Adem Somyurek
“Victoria’s future economic prosperity depends on increasing our engagement with the growing economic power of Asia, including our biggest trading partner.”
“The Andrews Labor Government recognises the importance of connecting Victorian businesses with opportunities in global growth markets through overseas trade missions.”
“While we place great importance on overseas trade missions, the Andrews Government is introducing inbound super trade missions because it makes sense to bring the customer to Victoria where they can witness first-hand the very best we have to offer.”