Photo: Herald Sun

During the visit, Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis will meet with representatives from Myanmar’s government and major industries to explore trade and investment opportunities.

Building Victoria’s relationship with Myanmar is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s push to open up new and emerging markets to the state’s businesses – strengthening the Victorian economy and creating more jobs.

A major focus of the visit will be engaging with Myanmar’s up-and-coming digital technology industry to see how Victoria can use its industry knowledge to help the country become a competitive digital innovation hub.

Since Myanmar opened its doors to international trade and investment, its economy has grown quickly –  especially in sectors such as telecommunications. Global communications company Ericsson reported that Myanmar was the world’s fourth fastest growing mobile phone market in 2016.

Minister Dalidakis will also meet with the Phandeeyar Innovation Lab in Yangon to discuss agricultural trade with Myanmar’s major food and fibre distributor, City Mart Holdings, and represent Victoria on an innovation panel.

The Labor Government is active throughout South East Asia, especially in international education, where Victorian universities have numerous partnerships across the region.

On his way back to Victoria, Minister Dalidakis will stop in Thailand to meet ministers responsible for education, commerce and the digital economy, and to make a keynote speech on Victoria’s capabilities in social enterprise at one of Thailand’s most respected universities.

The Minister will also witness a memorandum of understanding between Melbourne Polytechnic and Panyapiwat Institute of Management in Bangkok that will increase collaboration in agricultural business training.