The Chief Minister will lead an ACT Government delegation to Singapore and London this week, with a focus on attracting banks to invest in ACT Government bonds, increasing ties with overseas cultural institutions and furthering Canberra's relationships with Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines to further grow inbound international tourism.
The delegation will meet with some of the world'''s largest banks, including Norges Bank and Barclays Bank to promote bond investment opportunities in the ACT.
Engaging with international financial markets to grow our investor base ensures the ACT can borrow at the most affordable rates to fund our record $3 billion public infrastructure investment program.
The delegation will also include meetings with the directors of a number of Singapore and London's most significant cultural institutions to help attract more domestic and international visitors to Canberra.
Canberra's institutions already enjoy strong ties with their overseas counterparts, sharing expertise, research, cultural insights and exhibitions. This includes the National Arboretum with the Botanic Gardens in Singapore and the National Museum of Australia with the British Museum in London.
Mathew Trinca, Director of the National Museum, will join the delegation to further build on the existing collaboration and MoU between the National Museum of Australia and the British Museum.
The United Kingdom is the second largest inbound tourism market for the ACT, with thirty five percent growth in the last five years. This sensational growth has been possible through the ease of connectivity on both Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways. The delegation will meet with market representatives of both airlines to further grow awareness of Canberra as a tourism destination.
The Chief Minister will also meet with the Deputy Mayor of London, Rajesh Argawal and the London Night Czar, Amy Lamé, to discuss the night-time economy and smart city initiatives.
The cost of the Chief Minister's delegation is approximately $47,000 with costs to be met from the existing budget allocation for the ACT Executive. The final cost will be released as part of the regular travel reports.
