Victoria’s long-standing relationship with Hong Kong, a gateway to mainland China, will be strengthened by collaboration between their senior public servants and the Victorian Government.
Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings today met with Hong Kong’s Director of the Office of the Chief Executive Eric Chan Kwok-ki and Secretary for the Civil Service Joshua Law Chi-kong to discuss further areas of potential collaboration.
This includes initiatives to jointly grow public service leadership, capabilities and innovation to ensure Victoria’s public sector remains equipped to solve complex policy challenges and keeps pace with world best practice.
This follows the Premier’s official visit to Hong Kong and China in May where he met with investors and senior government officials to discuss trade and investment opportunities with Victoria, alongside partnerships between the respective public services.
This first exchange of senior public servants has taken place this week with the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Chris Eccles, leading a group of senior Victorian public servants for a world first exchange program establishing direct policy collaboration.
While in Hong Kong Mr Jennings also visited the Kwai Chung terminal operated by Hutchison Ports to help inform the Andrews Labor Government’s Freight Strategy – which will be released later this year – and met with Hong Kong’s Commissioner for the Independent Commission Against Corruption to learn from their extensive work.
Victoria has a longstanding and positive relationship with Hong Kong, which presents opportunities for trade, cultural links and other partnerships, which is about jobs and prosperity for hard working Victorians.
Victoria’s two-way trade relationship with Hong Kong was valued at just over $1 billion in 2015-2016 and is a crucial part of both economies.
A prime example of this partnership works includes Melbourne being appointed partner city for the 2018 Business of Design Week in Hong Kong. This event will create important opportunities for Victorian businesses and designers to reach a global audience and generate new exports.
Victoria’s strong relationship with China is reflected in Victoria’s China Strategy – Partnerships for which sets out the pathway to achieving the vision of Victoria as the gateway connecting China and Australia.
Quotes attributable to Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings
“Victoria is cementing its place as the key to China’s relationship with Australia. We’ll never rest on our laurels and the opportunity to meet with Hong Kong’s key officials was extremely valuable to deepen this bond.”
“We’re excited to work with the Hong Kong Design Centre on the 2018 Business of Design Week and using this to showcase the innovative work of Victorians – this is about jobs and building upon our state’s world-class brand.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020