From 5 - 18 December 2023, the Governor participated in an Official Visit to India and the United Kingdom.
Across a busy program of engagements, the visit provided the opportunity to strengthen relationships with Victoria’s international partners and promote the State’s economic, social and cultural interests.
Key themes
Developing strong relationships with international partners
During the Official Visit, the Governor met with numerous senior international representatives to discuss strategic relationships and cooperation in key sectors.
A key engagement of the Governor’s Official travel was a meeting with His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, during which the Governor extended an invitation to His Majesty to visit Victoria.
During the visit to the United Kingdom, the Governor met with the Minister of State for Investment to discuss the importance of the trade relationship between Victoria and the UK.
The Governor also met with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham to identify further opportunities for trade, investment and industry collaboration, as well as meeting with the Lord Mayor of the City of London to build connections.
In Mumbai, a meeting with the Governor of Maharashtra was an opportunity to discuss connections between the two jurisdictions and shared priorities.
Engaging with Victoria’s international community
Throughout the overseas program, the Governor actively engaged with Victoria’s international community by visiting the international operations of Victorian companies, and through hosting receptions for Victorian alumni and business representatives.
Participating in the inaugural ceremony of the Cosmoprof India trade show in Mumbai, the Governor officially opened the Victoria Stand and met with exhibitors in the State’s first official delegation to the exhibition.
At a ‘Victoria Connect’ networking event, the Governor was able to speak with Indian alumni from Victorian universities as well as representatives from the business community.
The Governor also celebrated the screen ties with the Indian Film Festival Melbourne and presented the Excellence in Cinema 2023 Award at an event in Mumbai.
In London, the Governor spoke with Victorian University alumni to hear about their experiences studying in Victoria and how that has supported their work in the UK.
Promoting Victoria’s interests abroad
The Official Visit also offered the chance to build friendship and good relations with these nations and to promote Victoria’s economic, social and cultural interests.
A Trade and Investment Roundtable in Mumbai was an opportunity to build new opportunities and strengthen relationships between Victoria and India, bringing together a number of senior representatives from Australian and Indian businesses.
Likewise, the Governor participated in roundtables in London focused on growing the partnership between Victoria and the UK, including through skills and workforce opportunities as part of the AUKUS agreement.