Released 25/07/2017
After finalising our latest Sister City relationship with Wellington last week, the Government will create a new position to support our rapidly growing international engagement efforts.
The Commissioner for International Engagement will be the first element to support the Government’s soon to be released International City Strategy – designed to enhance Canberra’s international reputation. Successful delegations to Singapore, China, the United States and Wellington have demonstrated a need for a more coordinated approach to the ACT’s international relations to better support local businesses and attract foreign investment.
The ACT Government has pursued a strong international engagement effort over the past three years. This has lead to a rapid increase in exports, growth in the ACT’s tertiary education sector, increased foreign investment and an increase in international visitation to Canberra. The list of cities knocking on our door for a new relationship is also growing.
The Commissioner will work with Canberra’s education and research institutions to profile Canberra as an education and investment destination. International students contribute nearly $500 million to Canberra’s economy per annum and significant growth is expected in the coming years.
The role will support our existing sister cities relationships with cities including Beijing, Nara, Timor Leste and Wellington. It will also support the MOU we have with the Chinese city of Shenzhen,
and of course with Singapore, where we continue to be welcomed as a city with a lot to offer Asia and the region.
The Commissioner will also lead a new Office of International Engagement within the Government.
We have reached a stage where we must lift our international effort to another level to compete with other Australian jurisdictions and major cities. Singapore Airline’s ‘Capital Express’ route commencing on 20 September and linking Canberra, Singapore and Wellington directly has the potential to grow and develop our city in new exciting directions. The Commissioner for International Engagement will be responsible for a broad range of engagement activities and will provide advice about relevant opportunities to be pursued that enhance our competitiveness and our contribution to the region.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases