A new International Business Centre opened in Melbourne today will encourage investment and trade with Asia and offer convenient facilities to overseas business visitors, says VECCI.

The Victorian Treasurer and Minister for Innovation, State and Regional Development, the Hon John Brumby MP, the Lord Mayor, the Rt Hon John So, and VECCI President, Richard Holyman, opened the Centre, which is located in the VECCI building at 486 Albert Street, East Melbourne.

The Centre will be operated as a partnership between VECCI, the Victorian Government in the form of Invest Victoria, the City of Melbourne and the business sector, including businesses such as ANZ Bank, William Buck and Hunt & Hunt.

Mr Brumby said that the Victorian Government supported the Centre because its activities were directed at increasing investment in Victoria and promoting more trade with Asia.

Lord Mayor So said that the Centre will strengthen Melbourne’s position as one of the best cities in the world in which to live and do business.

"The opening of the International Business Centre today represents a very exciting initiative for VECCI and sees us taking the next step in terms of facilitating trade and inward investment", says VECCI Chief Executive Officer Neil Coulson.

"It is clear that we also have to take the next step as a nation with our trade and investment effort, and the Centre is designed to assist in doing this.

"Opportunities in the trade and investment arena are growing each year. Free Trade Agreements have been signed with the United States, Singapore and Thailand, and FTAs or closer partnerships are being considered with China, India, Japan, ASEAN and the United Arab Emirates.

"However, despite a greater focus by Governments on trade and exports, there is still much to be done to take advantage of world trade growth, which is projected to accelerate over the next two decades.

"The Centre provides a range of services that make it an ideal facility for companies wishing to do business in Victoria - it can assist small to medium sized companies with professional office space and facilities and a range of business services.

"The Centre can also arrange meetings with investment and business related services. Centrally located in the City of Melbourne, it is within walking distance to a range of business and government offices.

"The Centre is available to potential investors, free of charge for shorter periods and at a minimal cost for longer periods.

"Approved companies wishing to use the Centre have access to: