Victorian Government representatives have travelled to New Zealand to promote investment opportunities in Victoria and build on existing relationships with our closest international neighbour.
Treasurer Tim Pallas and Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford met with representatives from business, government and industry to further promote the relationship between Victoria and NZ, as well as discussing policy reform and areas of common interest, with a particular focus on the dairy industry.
Mr Pallas met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bill English and the New Zealand Productivity Commission. Ms Pulford also had discussions on development of Asian markets and animal welfare and research and development partnerships.
Victoria exported almost $2 billion in goods to New Zealand in 2014-15, which included $87 million in cereals (mainly wheat), $130 million in food products, $212 million in road vehicles, $115 million in petroleum and related products, $221 million in chemicals and related products, as well as $222 million in manufactured goods.
Victorians imported goods worth $2.7 billion for the same period. Major imports included dairy $338 million, vegetables and fruit $149 million, food products $148 million, beverages $128 million, petroleum and related products $410 million as well as $148 million in manufactured goods.
“Our dairy industry is the jewel of Victoria’s agricultural crown and a key contributor to our economic growth and prosperity. This visit will allow us to learn first-hand about New Zealand dairy, share knowledge and further strengthen ties between our two sectors,” Ms Pulford said.
