Pledge for VIC trade office in Jerusalem
The Victorian Opposition has pledged to open a Victorian government trade office in West Jerusalem if it wins next November's state election.
THE Victorian Opposition has pledged to open a Victorian government trade office in West Jerusalem if it wins next November’s state election. It would be the first such office in Jerusalem of any Australian state or federal government.
The AJN understands that in his first meeting with new Israeli ambassador Mark Sofer this week, Liberal leader Matthew Guy told him his government would open the bureau to increase Victoria’s access to export markets, promote investment and help business innovation and collaboration with Israel.
Guy told The AJN the decision reflects Israel’s status as an “innovation nation” with one of the highest proportions of research and development spending as a percentage of its total economy in the world.
“I visited Israel in July and it was clear to me that there is a great opportunity for Victoria to establish a business office in Jerusalem,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity to share ideas, boost our exports to Israel and strengthen our relationship with this great country.”
Guy said that while Australian imports from Israel total over $930 million, Australian exports lag behind at less than a third of this figure at $308 million.
A business centre in Jerusalem would play a critical role in boosting Victoria’s export opportunities, he said, while introducing Victorian businesses to the Israeli culture of growth, innovation and efficiency.
Caulfield MP David Southwick said the proposal “will complement the work that’s already been done by the federal government in Tel Aviv” and shows “recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital”.
“It makes sense for Victoria to build business links with Israel and take this unique opportunity to capitalise on their growing investment in innovation and business growth,” he said.
PETER KOHN
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