Victoria Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher

New Multicultural Business Council Capitalises On Victoria’s Strengths

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Coalition Government’s new Multicultural Business Ministerial Council met for the first time today to assist in developing new business opportunities and strengthening export capacity for the state.

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher said the new Multicultural Business Ministerial Council will help facilitate business opportunities that take advantage of Victoria’s cultural and linguistic resources.

“The Coalition Government believes multicultural diversity is one of Victoria’s greatest strengths and defining features. The diversity of our population is a great social and economic asset, and is a valuable resource in understanding overseas markets.” Ms. Asher said.

“The Council will promote Victoria as a culturally diverse business centres in recognition of the fact our multicultural business communities are a key business investment attraction that can contribute significantly to the state’s growth and development.”

“Some 29 % of Victorian small businesses are owned by people not born in Australia and they have contributed enormously, both culturally and financially, to the Victorian small business sector.”

Members of the Multicultural Business Ministerial Council include representatives of the Korean, Italian and Greek Chambers of Commerce, the Australia-Chinese Business Council, the Australia-Russia Business Council and the Federation of Indian Association of Victoria.

The Chair, Ms. Cynthia Balogh, was a member of the previous council and has significant experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Members of the new Multicultural Business Ministerial Council