It was a great opportunity to hear about emerging global trade issues from Tim, who has strategic leadership for the promotion of trade and investment opportunities for Australia and operational responsibility for Austrade’s onshore and offshore trade and investment teams.

Some of the insightful advice included the need for highly targeted market strategies at the city level in large, populous countries like China and Indonesia. For example, the growth of Shenzhen has created a Pearl River Delta megacity, now one of the most densely urbanized regions in the world and among the wealthiest regions in China. The size of such cities dictates that businesses develop granular market strategies that build emotional connections with their target customers.

India, as outlined in An India Economic Strategy also offers huge growth opportunities for Australian businesses. Education, already our largest service-based export, remains the flagship for continued growth. Not only for international students attending our universities, but our capabilities in vocational education and training as India looks to upskill 500 million people over the next five years. Agribusiness, energy, resources and tourism are also leading sectors.

The Victorian Chamber wants to triple the number of Victorian businesses involved in export markets.

We have experts based in Victoria and Shanghai, and partnerships with high profile, connected industry associations in China. We work with government, business and investors on:

• Market research and advisory
• Export strategy development and planning
• Tailored marketing development program
• In-market support.

We also help local governments grow mutually beneficial sister city partnerships to spur local economic development and new trade and investment activities.

To discuss how we can help your business grow its trade presence, please contact Eddie Zhao, International Business Development Manager on EZhao@victorianchamber.com.au or 03 8662 5234. 

 Victoria State Director - Emma McDonald, Austrade Deputy CEO - Tim Beresford and CEO Melbourne Chamber of Commerce - Dianne Smith