Overseas delegate visit could lead to more cleantech jobs

A VISIT from an American delegation focused on sustainable energy could lead to local investment and job growth, according to City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj.

The group from Louisiana and New Orleans gained insight into the cleantech industry with a tour of Geelong Port and Viva Energy on Wednesday last week.

They then networked with local companies and organisations at Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct.

“It was an unmissable opportunity to promote our region as a leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation and pave the way for mutually beneficial relationships to develop,” Cr Kontelj said.

The six leaders hailed from World Trade Center New Orleans, Greater New Orleans Inc, Louisiana Economic Development, Port of South Louisiana, and Regions Financial Corporation.

Their cities have a growing reputation as a hub for international trade, energy innovation, infrastructure development, and business growth.

Brought to Australia by trade and investment advisory Foley, the group is taking meetings in Geelong, Melbourne and Sydney to establish relationships with innovative Australian cleantech and energy sector companies that are interested in expanding operations and investing internationally.

The senior executives are particularly interested in batteries, hydrogen, biofuels, and critical minerals.

Across the past 20 years, Australian companies have invested more than $4.76 billion into Louisiana, creating nearly 2,500 jobs.

Australia is Louisiana’s fifth largest source of foreign direct investment projects over that same time.

Several Geelong businesses and organisations networked with the delegation, including Advanced Fibre Cluster Geelong, Sequence Digital/Rhino Instruments, The Gordon TAFE, Barwon Water and Boomaroo Nurseries.