Council keen to build international links
International cultural and trade interactions have been grounded due to the global pandemic, but Greater Shepparton councillors want to forge more opportunities for the city.
At the August meeting councillors adopted an updated International Engagement Policy which dictates the appropriate measures when considering entering into a friendship or sister city agreement, managing delegations, and determining which international visits are most appropriate for council representatives to attend.
The policy also covers maintaining current friendship and sister city relationships.
Cr Shane Sali said the policy was a basis for properly managing relationships and exchanges which could be beneficial to trade.
“One example of a strong international relationship that has been achieved before is the presence of council at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, having international connections unlocks opportunities and contributes to the growth of our local economy,” he said.
“I think it is really important we continue to maintain and generate new international connections.”
Cr Fern Summer said the upheaval caused by the pandemic didn’t mean relationships couldn’t be maintained.
“This policy has generated merit in the past and I hope to see it in action again soon,” she said.
Cr Anthony Brophy said the framework put in place appropriate measures for council to engage internationally.
Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said from her experience on delegations there were significant opportunities for the Shepparton region.
“We certainly don’t want to lose the hard work we’ve done in the past,” she said.