Geelong welcomes international diplomats in showcase tour

THE City of Greater Geelong hosted 30 senior diplomats from around the globe, alongside staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, showcasing some of the region’s leading industries.

The Victoria Consular Corps Regional Tour, conducted last week, brought diplomats from 20 countries – including the United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Malta, Brazil, Japan, Botswana, and New Zealand – to the area.

Sites visited included the new civic precinct Wurriki Nyal, the Federal Mills precinct, GeelongPort, Deakin University, and the Geelong Arts Centre.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said the visit was an opportunity to showcase Geelong’s contribution to Australia’s economy, culture and policy objectives.

“Transitioning from a traditional manufacturing city-region into Australia’s first and only UNESCO Creative City of Design, we have a proven track record in advanced manufacturing and materials, engineering, cleantech and energy sectors,” he said.

The event was designed to bolster Geelong’s economic profile and reinforce its importance to regional Victoria and the nation.

Deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said council was always excited to welcome an international delegation to the region.

“Tours of Greater Geelong like these are not only a relationship building exercise but a chance to share our region’s attractions and showcase innovative local businesses,

“We have a lot to be proud of as Victoria’s second city.

“Geelong is outpacing every other region in Australia, boasting the fastest population growth in Victoria and second fastest in Australia, the largest regional economy in the state, and the fastest jobs growth of all Australian regional cities.”