Published 31 January 2023
Victorian businesses will have greater opportunities to export to Europe and connect with international investors through a new Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) office - scheduled to open in Paris this February.
The office will also be working to attract new investment from Europe back into Victoria, helping to grow our state’s economy and create more local jobs.
Comprising one-sixth of the global economy and with an estimated nominal GDP of €16.6 trillion, the European Union is one of the world’s economic superpowers and a key trade partner for Victoria.
With two-way merchandise trade between Victoria and the EU already totaling $17.3 billion in 2021/22, the additional European presence will drive new opportunities and raise the profile of Victorian businesses, particularly target sectors such as life sciences, technology (which includes EdTech, SportsTech and FinTech), renewable energy and defence.
European investment benefits for Victoria include German mRNA pioneer BioNTech’s decision late last year to enter into an in-principle agreement to establish a clinical scale mRNA manufacturing facility in Melbourne. Victorian skincare company Ultra Violette established a foothold in Europe with help from the London VGTI office and now exports to 20 countries.
Gönül Serbest has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Europe, commencing on 1 February, and will be stationed at the new Paris office.
With over 13 years’ experience in international trade, Gönül has most recently held the position of CEO of Global Victoria, overseeing the government’s network of international Trade and Investment offices and leading the largest ever series of Victorian trade missions into global markets.
Reflecting the complementary nature of Victoria’s trade and investment strategies in driving jobs and growth, Danni Jarrett, the CEO of Victoria’s investment attraction agency Invest Victoria, will also become CEO of Global Victoria and oversee an integrated trade and investment agency.
Danni has led Invest Victoria since mid-2020 having previously held leadership roles in the Victorian Government for a decade and has a record of securing investments that achieve sustained economic growth.
The new Paris presence will take the state’s VGTI network to 24 offices around the globe, including Global Victoria's HQs in Melbourne.
International trade and global engagement are vital to creating jobs and growing the Victorian economy, with initiatives generating $627 million in export sales across 3700 supported Victorian businesses in 2020/21.