The Andrews Labor Government is cementing Victoria’s strong and enduring relationship with China, with Premier Daniel Andrews set to be the first Australian leader to visit the country since the onset of the pandemic.

As part of a four-day trip this week, the Premier will meet with senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Beijing Government to discuss our long-held trade and cultural ties, and the return of Chinese students to Victoria – continuing their studies at our world class higher education institutions.

In addition to Beijing, the Premier will travel to Jiangsu and Sichuan, meeting with key senior officials from Victoria’s sister states – deepening our strong relationships with these provinces, and exploring ways to further strengthen partnerships.

Around 42,000 Chinese students are currently enrolled with Victorian providers, with the Labor Government recently announcing a $10 million investment in the Study Melbourne Hub in the CBD, which provides free help and advice to international students around accommodation, mental health and employment programs.

Additionally, Victoria’s first overseas Study Melbourne Hub was established in Shanghai in 2021 – offering a space for Victorian education providers to engage with prospective students.

China is Victoria’s main trading partner, with two-way trade valued at almost $40 billion in 2022.

This will be the Premier’s seventh visit to China since the Labor Government came to office, building on previous trips held in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and two in 2019.

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“I look forward to being the first Australian leader to visit China since the onset of the global pandemic – continuing our long-held relationship with China on trade and culture, and further strengthening our deep ties.”

Source: Premier of Victoria

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