Picture: Alex Coppel.Source:News Corp Australia

An initiative of President Xi Jinping, Belt and Road is China’s vision for working with participating countries to strengthen economic and social linkages, a key driver of Victoria’s China Strategy, Partnerships for Prosperity.

Opened by President Xi Jinping on Sunday, the forum hosted the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the World Bank Jim Yong Kin, as well as the heads of state from countries including Argentina, Italy, Greece, Russia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The Premier is the only Australian State leader to be invited to the Belt and Road Forum.

Participating in a key international panel discussion, the Premier highlighted Victoria’s leadership and achievements in its engagement with China and promoted the state’s infrastructure, transport and investment agenda.

During the four day trip, the Premier will meet investors and senior government officials to explore key trade and investment opportunities that will generate new jobs in Victoria.

Victoria’s world-class capabilities in education, health and biotechnology, environmental services, design and advanced manufacturing enable our State to support China meet the demands of a growing middle class, while generating exciting new growth opportunities in Victoria.

The Premier will also open a Forum on Public Private Partnerships (PPP) between the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and senior Victorian government officials and industry representatives.

China is Victoria’s largest two-way trading partner, worth more than $20 billion and accounting for almost a quarter of the state’s total food and fibre export market.