The Andrews Labor Government is using an inbound trade mission to help local fashion designers and lifestyle companies break into the $500 billion Chinese e-commerce market – boosting exports and creating local jobs.
The mission is already delivering results – Victorian fashion label Elliatt has announced a partnership with Chinese e-commerce giant VIP.com making its high-end products available to more than 50 million active customers.
Elliatt has been celebrating its new partnership with VIP.com by showcasing designs during shows at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) where products can be purchased in real-time from VIP.com.
The Labor Government is bringing key buyers from China’s biggest e-commerce companies to Victoria this week to connect with local companies at events including dedicated runway shows at VAMFF. Combined, these e-commerce companies boast hundreds of millions of customers.
Events include the Fashion Beauty and China Cross Border Workshop, which will give local designers the knowledge they need to tap into new global markets. It will feature presentations by major e-commerce players such as the China International Beauty Expo and VIP.com.
The e-commerce companies are among more than 150 buyers, decision makers and officials from 14 countries visiting Victoria for the annual Victoria Invitation Program (VIP).
VIP is the state’s biggest inbound trade mission and showcases the best of Victoria’s fashion, education, healthcare, retail, food and professional services industries.
Businesses taking part in the Labor Government’s inbound trade mission program have reported more than $77 million in export sales since 2014 with projected sales set to reach more than $411 million.
Trade and export is vital to Victoria’s economy and continues to grow with the total exports of goods and services increasing from $44.8 billion in 2015/16 to $48.3 billion in 2016/17.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis
“We know how important it is for local businesses to have strong global connections if they are to grow and create jobs – that’s why we run these major inbound trade missions.”
“There are enormous opportunities for local Victorian designers to break into China’s huge e-commerce market and this is a chance for us to showcase the creativity and quality of our fashion industry.”
“With companies like Alibaba, Amazon and JD.com choosing to call Victoria home, we are leading the way on e-commerce in Australia.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020