The Victorian Connection, a Victorian Government initiative to develop investment and trade opportunities in global markets, was recently launched in Dubai by the Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, Louise Asher.

The programme will help Victorian expatriates and people who have lived or studied in Victoria stay connected with each other and everything Victorian, said a statement.

It supports the development of professional and personal networks that can provide market intelligence and identify and develop new investment, trade and joint venture opportunities for Victoria and its Mena partners.

The programme also encourages members to become ambassadors for Victoria, helping to raise the state’s profile and awareness of what it can offer in global markets, the statement said.

Asher said the connection programme was one of several initiatives the Victorian Government was putting in place as part of its new Trade Engagement Programme.

“The Trade Engagement Programme aims to step up Victoria’s focus on key global markets where our capabilities are a good match for local demands and can deliver more export, investment and jobs growth,” Asher said.

Following the launch in the Middle East, it will be launched in other markets identified by the government as priority areas, including India and China.

Asher said The Victorian Connection Programme recognised that many productive investment and trade relationships are sparked, developed and underpinned by strong personal connections.

“It will be based around a professional social networking group hosted on LinkedIn and a series of professional networking events, supported by our business offices around the world,” he said. “The programme will also be extended through The Victorian Connection Business Insight Series, an annual event in key international markets, with one event per year held in up to ten countries.”

“The series will position Victoria at the forefront of innovation and cutting-edge knowledge through exclusive functions for Victorian alumni with leading thinkers from industry and/or academia as keynote speakers,” Asher concluded. – TradeArabia News Service