Premier Denis Napthine headed to Melbourne’s manufacturing north
last week to outline the benefits of the state government’s recent
“super trade mission” to south-east Asia.
Speaking at the Thomastown headquarters of Australia’s largest
almond grower and processor, Select Harvests, Dr Napthine said more than
319 jobs and $144 million in economic benefits were expected to flow in
the next two years as a direct result of the trade mission.
Launching an initial report into the mission, he described the
visit by about 3000 business people along with government
representatives as “a tremendous boost” for Victoria’s trade
relationship with south-east Asia.
“The consuming class in south-east Asia is predicted to increase
exponentially over the next 15 years and Victoria is well placed to
provide the goods and services required to support this growth,” Dr
Napthine said.
He said Select Harvests could expect to increase sales by up to $1 million as a direct result of the trip.
