Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy, today officially opened Victoria’s inaugural International Health Week that will showcase the state’s healthcare, health education, aged care, and medical research sectors to key international business leaders.
Speaking at a welcome breakfast today in Melbourne, Ms Hennessy greeted delegates from across the globe who this week will see firsthand Victoria’s world leading health products, services and research, as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s flagship inbound trade mission, the Victoria Invitation Program.
International Health Week aims to build ties with international governments, business leaders, buyers and investors, and facilitate relationships and trade by showcasing world class knowledge and skills, services and technology in the Victorian health system.
More than 70 delegates from China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia and the USA will tour Victoria’s health sector and connect with Victorian businesses and health institutions to explore new opportunities for research and business partnerships, and generate more trade and investment opportunities.
Strengthening ties with growing international markets will generate trade and investment opportunities and help grow the Victorian healthcare, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals sectors.
The Victorian healthcare sector has a gross value added contribution to the Victorian economy of $30 billion a year and the state is leading the world in innovative health system design, training of staff, use of cutting edge medical technology and the construction of state-of-the-art new hospitals.
These skills are sought after as international neighbours seek to reform their health systems to respond to increasing demand and changing demographics.
The Labor Government recently formalised a partnership with China which will see a number of Victoria’s key health reforms exported to China.
The wider health innovation system, which includes the medical technologies and pharmaceuticals sector, has been identified as a key growth sector the Government is supporting through the $200 million Future Industries Fund to drive future economic growth and create new jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“Victoria has a proud reputation as a world leader in medical research and health system design and innovation, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our standout achievements to the world.”
“Victoria is a great place to do business – and we offer many strengths in health not found anywhere else in the world.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Investment and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“We’re showcasing the very best of Victoria to the world through our reinvigorated inbound trade mission program to drive export growth and investment for the state.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020