The Allan Labor Government and French relations will strengthen with the opening of a new Consulate General in Melbourne, providing an important foundation for deeper economic ties with a key European partner.
Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas today welcomed the announcement of the new Consulate General of France in Melbourne which will foster greater collaboration, maximise trade and investment opportunities and enhance bilateral ties.
This year marks the 170th anniversary of the 1854 opening of French diplomatic representation in Melbourne. The new Consulate General opening is scheduled for September.
In December 2023, Victoria entered into a bilateral agreement with France to pursue stronger trade and investment ties across a range of sectors.
The new commitment by the French Government follows the opening of a Victorian Government Trade and Investment office in Paris, dedicated to Europe and growing Victoria's global network to 23 international offices.
Since opening in 2023, the Paris office has delivered several trade missions including the Vivatech in Paris, Formnext in Frankfurt, Bio Europe Spring conference in Barcelona and Cosmoprof in Bologna.
With two-way merchandise trade valued at $2.1 billion in 2022-23, France is an important trading partner for Victoria. France is also one of the largest foreign investors in Victoria, with French capital equal to $5.4 billion invested over the past six years, creating more than 1,300 jobs.
Prominent French organisations such as RATP, EDF, Neoen and the French National Centre for Scientific Research, build on other significant investors in Victoria including Alstom, Air Liquide and Thales.
The Victorian Government also welcomes the recent announcement of a new Consulate General of Ireland in Melbourne - bolstering the state's engagement and access to the European Union's market of 448 million consumers.
Exports play a critical role in Victoria's economic growth, contributing more than $58 billion annually to the state's economy and supporting over 330,000 jobs.
As stated by Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
"Victoria and France are poised to embark on a journey of mutual economic growth, amplifying trade, investment, and cultural exchange opportunities with the important establishment of the new Consulate General of France in Melbourne."
"This historic step forward for Victoria-France bilateral relations affords Victorian companies a prime position to access more opportunities and extend the reach of their products and services to new markets, while creating more jobs here at home."
"I'd like to pass my appreciation and congratulations to Pierre-André Imbert, the Ambassador of France to Australia, the former ambassador Jean-Pierre Thibault and the outgoing Honorary Consul General of France in Victoria, Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie."
