Europe's bilateral relationship with Victoria
As an important source market for direct investment into Victoria, the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) collectively rank as the largest FDI investor in our State and represent a vital two-way trading partner valued at A$24.5 billion in FY 2022-23.
The major economies of Europe are significant markets for Victoria with total exports valued at A$2.2 billion. Europe is also a major market for Victorian Medtech and pharmaceutical products, digital technologies, consumer goods and food products
Opportunities will continue to grow particularly relating to the green transition, defence and advanced technologies, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, professional services, and life sciences.
European markets make up Victoria’s third largest source of international tourists.
Strong cultural ties underpin Victoria’s engagement with Europe. According to the 2021 census, 267,365 Victorians were born in the European Union. Extensive people to people links are supported by institutional ties and partnerships such as the City of Melbourne’s sister-city relationship with Milan and Thessaloniki, established in 2004 and 1984 respectively.
Victorian Trade and Investment Offices
Victoria has a long and rich relationship with Europe, built on a history of migration, trade, investment and long-established cultural ties. Victoria has maintained Government offices in Frankfurt since 1982, and Israel since 2017. A Trade and Investment office for Europe was opened in 2023 in Paris, led by the Commissioner in charge of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Turkiye, Ms Gönül Serbest.
Bilateral Relationships
Victoria and Europe maintain extensive people to people links and institutional ties.
Business Organisations
- International Chamber House (ICH): a business networking hub for international bilateral chambers and business associations
- German Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK): a trusted partner, enabler and accelerator of sustainable business relations between Australia and Germany
- French Australian Chamber of Commerce (FACCI): promoting business between French and Australian companies
- Netherlands Chamber of Commerce Australia (NCCA): connecting the Victorian and Dutch business communities
- Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia (ICCI) Melbourne: building strong business relationships between Australia and Italy.
- Australian Serbian Chamber of Commerce (ASCC)
- Finland Australia Chamber of Commerce (FACC)
- European Australian Business Council (EABC)
- Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI)
- Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce (IACC)
- Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC)
Victoria
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Italian Region of Lombardy (2022)
Metropolitan Melbourne
- City of Melbourne sister-city relationship with Milan, Italy (established 2004)
- City of Melbourne sister-city relationship with Thessaloniki, Greece (established 1984)
- City of Merri-bek sister-city relationship with Solarino, Italy and Sparta, Greece
- City of Bayside sister-city relationship with Palavas-les-Flots, France and San Marino, San Marino
- City of Brimbank sister-city relationship with Nadur, Gozo, Malta
- City of Casey sister-city relationship with Ioannina, Greece (established 2008)
- City of Kingston sister-city relationship with Cannakale, Turkey
- City of Port Phillip sister-city relationship with Limni, Greece
Regional Victoria
- Alpine Shire sister-city relationship with Kossen, Austria
- Hepburn Shire sister-city relationship with Bellinzonia, Sweden
- Rural City of Ararat sister-city relationship with Lugones, Spain
- Rural City of Greater Shepparton sister-city relationship with Florina, Greece and Resen, Macedonia
Victorian Universities
*check for individual country’s eligibility
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
|
|
|---|---|
| Europe enquiries contact Tim Dillon Commissioner for Victoria to Europe Email Tim | Europe and Middle East enquiries contact Gönül Serbest Commissioner, Europe and Middle East, Africa & Türkiye Email Gönül |
Or go to our All Offices page to find your nearest Invest Victorian representative.
