- Published:
- Sunday 1 April 2018
The Andrews Labor Government will showcase Victoria’s cutting-edge manufacturing, research and design capabilities to the world to help create jobs, new investment and trade opportunities.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll will today start a ten-day trip to China and the United States of America – meeting with industry and education leaders to promote Victoria’s expertise in areas like design and engineering, autonomous vehicles, aerospace, artificial intelligence and robotics.
In China, Mr Carroll will meet with key players in the food and fibre, pharmaceutical, professional services and digital technology sectors, including the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China.
COMAC, one of China’s biggest aerospace manufacturers is partnering with the Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing for testing and developing new metal alloys in aircraft.
The visit is a chance to explore the possibilities of further collaborations with COMAC and to promote Victoria’s cutting-edge expertise in aerospace manufacturing, research and design.
In the United States, Mr Carroll will meet with senior executives from Ford at its global headquarters and will tour General Motors' technical centre in Detroit.
Both Ford and General Motors have a strong workforce in Victoria, employing more than 2,000 people combined.
While in the U.S, Mr Carroll will also meet with Tesla, a global leader in the design and mass production of electric vehicles and innovative battery technology.
Our automotive engineering expertise makes Victoria the perfect partner for major motor companies looking to employ advanced technologies and this visit is a chance to strengthen existing relationships and look for new opportunities to partner with US companies.
The trip will also include meetings with executives from Stanford University and Facebook.
Victoria’s manufacturing sector contributes $27.7 billion to the Victorian economy and is made up of more than 13,000 businesses employing more than 286,000 people.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“We're forging connections with major players in China and the United States to help create more jobs for Victorians, drive new collaborations, investment and trade opportunities for our state.”
“Victoria is a world leader in advanced manufacturing and local businesses are well placed to capitalise on changing global trends.”