United Kingdom's bilateral relationship with Victoria
Victoria has a long and rich relationship with the United Kingdom (UK), built on a history of migration, trade, investment and long-established cultural ties.
The UK is the second largest source of foreign direct investment for Victoria, and two-way trade was valued at A$2.5 billion in FY 2022-23.
Over the past five years, businesses from the UK operating in sectors such as digital technologies, automotive OEM, financial services and transportation and warehousing have found opportunity here in Victoria. Opportunities will continue to grow, particularly relating to green transition, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, professional services, defence and life sciences and healthcare.
The UK is Victoria's third largest source of international tourists.
Victorian Trade and Investment Offices
Victoria has been represented in the UK by the Agent-General for Victoria since 1868, and maintains a Victorian Government Trade and Investment office in London.
Victoria's United Kingdom Strategy
Already engaged in significant trade with the UK market, Victoria's United Kingdom Strategy seeks to exponentially grow the State's economic relationship across trade, investment, visitors and students. For more information visit:
Victoria's United Kingdom Strategy
Trade Agreements
Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement
Signed on 17 December 2021, the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (AUKFTA) is a once-in-a-generation deal that paves the way for Australia's economic relationship with the UK in terms of both trade and investment. The agreement was entered into force on 31 May 2023.
For more information, please refer to The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:
- Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (AUKFTA)
- AUKFTA outcomes documents
- Australia-UK FTA News
- AUKFTA tariff outcomes (FTA Portal)
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) - Formal Accession Request
On 1 February 2021, the UK formally requested accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) - a free trade agreement (FTA) between Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam. The negotiations were successfully concluded in March 2023.
For more information, please refer to The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement (CPTPP)
- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
- Guide to using CPTPP to export and import goods
- Exporter and importer frequently asked questions
- CPTPP outcomes including fact sheets
Bilateral Relationships
Victoria and the UK maintain extensive people to people links, institutional ties and substantial trade and investment links.
National / Institutions
- International Chamber House (ICH)
- Australian British Chamber of Commerce
- Australia-UK Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
- UK and Australia Space Bridge Framework Arrangement (2021)
- United Kingdom Space Agency Memorandum of Understanding (2018)
- UK-Australia Fintech Bridge
- World Trade Organisation (WTO) (signed 1995)
Metropolitan Melbourne
- City of Bayside sister-city relationship with King's Lynn and West Norfolk and Beaumaris, Wales
Regional Victoria
- Greater Bendigo sister-city relationship with Penzance (established 1996)
Victorian Universities
- The University of Melbourne - UK University partner institutions
- Cambridge Australia Scholarships
- Euraxess Programme: Research placements in the UK
- Royal Society grants: Postdoctoral science research
- International Atomic Energy Agency Fellowship: Fellowship for graduates
We can help you with your next market entry project
If you are considering investing in Melbourne, we can help you scope the market opportunity in Melbourne/Australia and assist you with your business case development.
Working with us will allow you to be fully informed and limit the number of surprises associated with your new investment. Our staff are experienced and well connected and can introduce you to potential partners to help make your investment a success.
Contact us
UK enquiries
contact Tim Dillion
Agent General to the UK and
Commissioner for Victoria to
Europe
Email Tim
Or go to our All Offices page to find your nearest Invest Victorian representative.