Linking Albury-Wodonga to European markets was the key theme for discussions between our Border’s Mayors and the Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO during his visit to the Border this week.
Albury City Mayor Cr Kevin Mack and Wodonga Mayor Cr Anna Speedie met with Ambassador Justin Brown ahead of a visit by the ambassador to Mars Petcare.
Ambassador Brown spoke to the Mayors and council Chief Executive Officers as well as local businesses about the opportunities and benefits to the region under a future free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union.
Pending any final Brexit outcomes there were also potential opportunities to develop future trade agreements with the UK.
Cr Mack said there were strong opportunities for the region, which hosts a wide offering of type and size of industry, for exports and investment.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Albury-Wodonga and the wider region to open up markets in Europe,” Cr Mack said.
“Our strategic location, stable workforce and competitive land prices as well as our capacity to support growth and development makes Albury-Wodonga an attractive offering to international companies looking to expand into the Asia-Pacific market.”
Cr Speedie said the region was well-placed to provide a unique investment option to European markets.
“Our discussions with the Ambassador have widened the options for this region to secure the future of key sectors, ensure their sustainability and assist them to grow and prosper.”
Discussions included opportunities for agribusinesses, boutique farming and the benefits of present and emerging trade agreements for both exports into Europe and attracting European businesses to Australia to better access large scale Asian markets.