MELBOURNE, May 20 (Bernama) -- Australia's Victorian state government will open a Government Business Office in Kuala Lumpur to create opportunities for Victorian businesses to boost trade in industries such as health and education.
Meeting Malaysia's Minister of Education Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein today, Victorian Minister for Education Bronwyn Pike said the Victoria Office will strengthen the state's position in Malaysia and the Southeast Asia region.
"Victoria already has a very strong relationship with Malaysia, with more than 7,600 Malaysian students studying in our education system and Monash and Swinburne universities having established campuses in Kuala Lumpur," Pike said.
Victoria's Minister for Industry & Trade, Theo Theophanous, said the state government is committed to building stronger links with Australia's neighbours to attract international investment to Victoria and assist Victorian companies export to new markets.
"The decision to open an office in Kuala Lumpur will help Victoria maximise the benefits flowing from the continued strength of the Malaysian economy and the broader growth of the region," Theophanous said.
Pike announced plans for Victoria's business office while visiting Kuala Lumpur for the 16th World Congress on Information Technology.
The president of the Australian Malaysia Business Council, Victoria chapter, Justin Howden, said the office in Kuala Lumpur will be a wonderful opportunity to promote bilateral trade and investment.
"Victoria, especially Melbourne, has a lot to offer in a range of sectors and Malaysians will now have a fantastic place to get all the investment information they need about Australia's most progressive state," Howden said.
