The Andrews Labor Government today launched a new investment initiative to better connect Gippsland’s businesses to national and global markets and support growth across the region.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today joined 70 Gippsland business leaders and key government stakeholders at Narkoojee Winery in Glengarry to officially launch the initiative on behalf of the Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford.

Ms Shing said Invest Gippsland would focus on food exports to Asia and generate linkages between Gippsland and national and global supply chains to attract trade and investment.

National Farmers Federation CEO, Simon Talbot and the Managing Director of Hussey & Co, Jeremy Haw also spoke at the launch about export development and opportunities presented by the China food and fibre market.

Invest Gippsland will focus on food and fibre – one of Gippsland’s critical growth sectors.

The sector represents about 50 per cent of the region’s $14 billion gross regional product and employs more than 16,000 people.

The Invest Gippsland initiative has taken a whole of government approach ensuring collaboration with the Labor Government’s investment, trade, planning, agriculture, education and local government experts.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“The Labor Government is supporting our regional businesses to build their trade capabilities and expand their export potential into Asia.”

“The demand from Asia’s growing middle class for our clean, fresh and top quality produce presents enormous opportunities for our local producers and businesses – and we want to help them capitalise on these opportunities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This is a great initiative that will create jobs and generate increased business and growth for Gippsland’s protein and horticultural products.”

“We’re supporting our local businesses so we can create greater export opportunities and build on the strengths of the Gippsland food industry.”