Victoria’s relationship with China is significant and our 2016 China Strategy successfully positioned Victoria as a partner of choice for economic and cultural cooperation. In 2025, this five-year Strategy will turn a new page in our relationship – identifying opportunities for further collaboration.
Victoria and China share long-standing ties that support economic prosperity and the culural richness of our State. Victoria has long recognised China as a key partner in driving economic growth, jobs, and education, and fostering people-to-people ties. China is one of Victoria’s largest trading partners and a key source of international students and visitors.
Victoria is Australia’s most globally connected State, and that is reflected in our large in-market presence with five China-based Trade and Investment Offices. Victoria is also the only Australian State with two sister-state relationships in China. Our relationship with Jiangsu Province is our oldest, while our newest sister-state is Sichuan Province. It reflects a connection with China that is deep, diverse, and evolving.
Our connections have their foundation in our people. Since the first Chinese migrants arrived more than 150 years ago, Victoria has been home to a significant and influential Chinese community. Today, almost a third of Chinese Australians call Victoria home, and make a significant contribution to our economic, social, and cultural landscape.
Our engagement is also guided by Victoria’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven economic growth, as outlined in the Economic Growth Statement and the Victorian Industry Policy. These foundational policies set clear priorities: boosting productivity through advanced manufacturing and clean energy, supporting workforce development and skills transition that sets us up for the future, and fostering deeper global connections to drive trade and investment.
Victoria’s China Strategy: For a New Golden Era aligns with these goals by providing a modern framework for our engagement with China.
We will generate new opportunities for Victoria’s unique and world-class offerings to reach the Chinese market, consolidate our strong reputation to attract talent and opportunity to Victoria, and continue to nurture those communities who already call Victoria home.
By targeting our effort in the sectors and regions of existing strength and emerging opportunity, we will build enduring partnerships that support the State’s long-term prosperity, our proud multicultural society, and our competitiveness abroad.
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