Trade and investment
Introduction
Global Victoria and Invest Victoria lead the Victorian Government's strategy to foster long term economic prosperity, increase the state's export opportunities and develop key sectors to create Victorian jobs and drive economic growth. Through trade and investment, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable economy for our state.
We work closely with a wide range of industry sectors, including those identified in the Victorian Government’s Economic Growth Statement:
- advanced manufacturing and defence
- health technologies and medical research
- the circular economy
- digital technologies
- agribusiness.
With an international network of 23 Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) offices strategically located in Victoria's key markets, ours is the most effective network of any other Australian state or territory, offering a competitive advantage to international investors and Victorian exporters.
International education is a powerful enabler of Victoria’s economic success. The Victorian Government through the Study Melbourne initiative, supports international students to thrive while living and studying in our state and promotes Victoria as a world-class education partner.
Websites
Strategies and initiatives
Investment Front Door
Our Investment Front Door makes it easier for businesses investing in Victoria.
The service acts as a single-point entry for businesses wishing to invest in Victoria by providing dedicated support.
This streamlined approach makes it simpler for both local and international businesses to thrive in our state: opening doors, driving productivity, building new skills and reaching every community.
Access Program
The Access Program offers export-related assistance and in-country expertise to Victorian exporters visiting overseas markets.
It aims to help Victorian exporters to forge new relationships with global partners, market their product or service more effectively and set up operations internationally.
Global talent attraction
The Victorian Skilled Migration Program helps address workforce needs by attracting highly skilled global talent to the state. The program targets priority occupations that are difficult to fill locally, supporting productivity and economic growth and strengthening Victoria’s long-term skills pipeline.
Study Melbourne Hub
The Study Melbourne Hub is a vibrant and welcoming space designed exclusively for international students living in Victoria. It provides dedicated support services and professional development programs and social events to enable international students to thrive during their time in Victoria.
Study Melbourne Inclusion Program (SMIP)
SMIP supports post-secondary international students studying at Victorian based universities, TAFEs, private higher education and vocational colleges, English language colleges and other registered training organisations. It provides funding for activities that support and promote the wellbeing of international students and enhance their experience living in Victoria.
Global Victoria Women
Global Victoria Women (GVw) aims to increase the number and diversity of women in Victoria participating in international business. GVw provides upskilling opportunities; supports growing networks and connections and promotes the achievements of women in Victoria in international markets.
Grants, awards and scholarships
Victorian International Education Awards
The Victorian International Education Awards support the international education sector and raise awareness of the sector’s benefits to the broader community and recognise the outstanding accomplishments of the students, staff and institutions that make up Victoria’s thriving international education sector.
Governor of Victoria Export Awards
The Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEA) are the state's most prestigious export awards that acknowledge and celebrate Victoria's most outstanding businesses engaged in international trade.
Open to all Victorian exporters, GOVEA winners are automatically placed as finalists in the Australian Export Awards – the national awards ceremony.
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Find more grants and funding opportunities provided by our department.
Divisional owners and entities
Global Victoria
Global Victoria promotes trade, and facilitates global engagement to help Victorian businesses grow, diversify and succeed in an evolving global economy It provides:
- specialised insights and market intelligence, advocacy and support to high-value exporters across key international markets through its VGTI office network
- resources for new and emerging exporters
- positions Victoria in international markets with strategic partners across government and industry
- advocates for the best policy settings to ensure Victorian companies remain competitive in a global trade environment.
Invest Victoria
Invest Victoria attracts and facilitates investment that contributes to economic growth across the state.
Its supports both foreign and domestic businesses seeking to enter, grow or expand in the state.
It plays a pivotal role in fostering long term economic prosperity by:
- enhancing the state’s business investment environment
- developing whole of government capabilities and governance in investment attraction
- coordinating the state's investment pipeline
- leading a whole of government investment committee.
Contact details
Page last updated: 11 May 2026