Global Victoria's Commissioner for Victoria to Greater China shares an update on China's recovery from coronavirus and new opportunities emerging for Victorian exporters.
The Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office network in China returned to fully operational status on Monday 20 April after almost three months of working from home and rotational shift arrangements due to coronavirus.
The staff in our five offices located in Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu and Hong Kong have done an amazing job of sharing their experiences and lessons learnt from China during this challenging period that has helped inform Victoria's response, while at the same time maintaining our day-to-day business of supporting Victorian exporters, engaging with investors and working with our many tourism and education stakeholders and partners as they adapt to the new business environment.
I'm particularly proud of the role the China Victorian Government Trade and Investment Offices (VGTI) offices, along with other international VGTIs, have played in supporting the State's procurement of key medical equipment from international suppliers as required.
China is now well on the way to recovery, and as Victoria's largest export market, source country of international students and also tourists, it will play an important role in Victoria's economic recovery as well.
While challenges still remain, we are already seeing new opportunities emerge in eCommerce, education technology, Vocational Education and Training as well as R&D opportunities, particularly with regard to health and life sciences, to list a few.
While passenger travel restrictions remain, freight between Victoria and China continues with daily freight flights continuing to deliver Victorian product to market in line with China' s economic recovery and rebound in consumer consumption.
Global Victoria is advanced in its plans to capture these opportunities and is adapting its approach with a focus on eCommerce and even plans for virtual trade missions.
