Council has sister city relationships with Florina (Greece), Korce (Albania), Lijiang City (China), Novato (USA), Oshu City (Japan), Resen (North Macedonia), Shepperton (England), Tieling (China), Toyoake (Japan), Jintan (China), Shangqiu (China) and Baguio (Philippines).
The original strategy was adopted in 2017 to facilitate business growth via access to international markets and the attraction of international funds for economic growth.
The update broadens exploration of trade opportunities from a previous heavy emphasis on Asia and predominately China to other areas such as Indonesia and United Arab Emirates.
The strategy commits to identifying businesses that are investment or export ready, as well as promoting the region overseas as investment ready.
Inbound and outbound trade delegations are considered an important tool for building relationships and increasing economic and cultural opportunities.
At the July meeting Cr Geoff Dobson moved a motion to endorse the strategy.
“It is important that Greater Shepparton takes advantage of the opportunities for trade, and council is in a prime position to help out.
“We are spreading our wings and it is good to see a lot of it is in the Pacific region, which I think is our best opportunity for trade.”
Cr Dinny Adem, who fostered the original strategy in 2017, said the management of international relationships had been “hit and miss” prior.
He said a previous trip as Mayor to China had definitely contributed to positive economic outcomes.
“For the small amount of money that we devote to this I think the value is tenfold,” he said.
Cr Fern Summer said it was difficult to quantify the benefits of trade missions, but council could not ignore the opportunity.
“I continue to support this strategy,” she said.
The strategy was adopted unopposed.
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