Trade missions key for region
THE Committee for Geelong has underlined the importance of overseas trade missions to promote the region’s international profile.
In its latest annual report, the committee has highlighted the success of its role in hosting visits to China, Singapore and Malaysia.
A joint report from chairman Dan Simmonds and outgoing CEO Rebecca Casson states the Committee for Geelong had established a strong reputation for its role in maintaining valuable international engagement.
“International engagement is critical in promoting Geelong’s profile and reputation overseas,” the report states.
“By reaching out this way, we establish important new networks and open the door for business and international collaboration.”
A delegation of Committee for Geelong members visited Geelong’s sister of Lianyungang in China in November last year.
“The delegates were able to explore business opportunities for trade, such as infant milk formula, international education and start-ups, together with raising profile of our city-region.”
Speaking at the committee’s 18th Annual General Meeting last week, Mr Simmonds said the committee would continue to look for opportunities to be engaged internationally.
“It is only through opening our eyes to international experiences that we can truly bring to Geelong what might be seen as best practice,” he said.
Mr Simmonds, who was reelected unopposed as chairman, told members the proactive recruitment process to replace Ms Casson included approaching potential candidates.
He hoped a replacement for Ms Casson, who is leaving after almost six years to head the Victorian Master Builders Association, might be announced by Christmas or early in the New Year.
Mr Simmonds said a challenge for the new CEO would be to pursue implementation of the committee’s proposed “Second City Policy Framework”.
He also urged business and community representatives to avoid becoming complacent in the face of local successes like Avalon Airport and to continue calling for support and encourage new industries and businesses to come to Geelong.
“As outlined in our Proposed Second City Policy Framework, stronger freight connections, including rail, road and channel upgrades are required to underpin longterm growth in Victoria’s Second City,” he said.
Treasurer Julie Hunter reported an annual net surplus for 2017-18 of $55,581.