International

View the International Engagement Strategy

Our own community led vision focuses on our international aspirations by stating:

By 2047, Greater Geelong will be internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region that is forward looking, enterprising and adaptive, and cares for its people and environment.

As part of our international focus, the economic development team have developed key strategies for increasing our presence overseas and attracting new investment.

These include:

• The successful designation in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network - Geelong City of Design.
• Maintaining sister city relationships to increase trade and investment opportunities.
• Support international delegations for investment and/or trade outcomes.
• Market and profile the City on the world stage.
• Partner with other local organisations on international projects.
• Attraction of major events that raise the profile of the region internationally.
• Support local level cultural festivals.

Delegation visits

Geelong is unique among Australia’s other regional cities because it has a diverse group of industries driving sustained business growth.

The region also offers a great lifestyle, an amazing natural environment, world-class education and fantastic infrastructure with road, rail, international airport, and seaport which is very attractive for international businesses.

The City of Greater Geelong extends a warm invitation to national and international delegations interested in exploring our vibrant city and fostering collaborations aligned with our innovative pursuits. We prioritise visits aimed at cultivating strategic partnerships and exploring potential business opportunities.

To organise an official visit to the City of Greater Geelong (The City), please complete this form at least six weeks before your proposed visit.  

UNESCO Creative Cities Network

Geelong - City of Design

The City of Greater Geelong applied to become a UNESCO Creative Cities Network City of Design in 2017 and was successful in its designation.

Geelong is Australia's first, and only, City of Design and joins an international network of 300 cities committed to the power of creativity and innovation in building sustainable cities.

It's about collaboration, culture, planning, people and prosperity - working together for a clever and creative future for all.

The City of Design designation is about using creativity and innovation to build more sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities. It fits perfectly with our 30-year, community-led vision to be internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region.

Read more about UNESCO Geelong - City of Design.

Sister cities and other City to City relationships

Lianyungang, China

Lianyungang is a Chinese city located in the Jiangsu province northeast of the country. The city, like Geelong, is located on a main port line which links the eastern sea routes with the western land routes. Suitably, the city is dubbed as China's 'East-West Freight Corridor'.

Lianyungang has a history in farming and agriculture, while its future is increasingly in green agriculture and organic produce.

New industry sectors being developed are in healthcare, new materials and energy, with its location as a transport hub enabling logistics to thrive.

In 2016 the Director Investment and Attraction, Brett Luxford journeyed to Lianyungang as part of the Victorian government's regional cities delegation. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen ties with Lianyungang, and increase trade and investment beneficial to both regions.

Izumiotsu City, Osaka Japan

Izumiotsu is located in the southern part of Osaka Prefecture, with Osaka Bay to the northwest.

An agreement was established in 1990 – 1991, following a visit of a delegation to Geelong.  Izumiotsu at the time, had a number of manufacturing industries specialising in woollen blankets.  Much of the wool used in their manufacturing process was purchased through the Geelong wool sales, sourced from locally grown wool, hence the link.

The purpose was to establish trade and cultural links, for the mutual benefit of both Geelong & Izumiotsu.  In April 1992, the then Mayor of former City of Geelong visited Izumiotsu accompanied with representatives from Bellarine Rural City Council and students at The Geelong College.

The Geelong College continues to have a bi-annual school student exchange program with schools in Izumiotsu. 

Geelong has a Friendship City relationship with:

Changwon City, Korea

In April 2022, Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan and Changwon City Mayor Huh Sungmoo signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) connecting the cities.

The memorandum formalises an agreement to collaborate with Changwon City on trade, education, and cultural exchanges, to promote investment and employment opportunities for the two cities.

This MOU aligns with the Geelong community’s 30-year vision to be internationally recognised as a ‘clever and creative’ city with a prosperous economy, which supports jobs and education opportunities. Located on South Korea’s southeast coast, Changwon City is a known industrial and manufacturing hub that is home to global manufacturers including Hanwha Corporation and its subsidiary Hanwha Defence Australia.

In addition to the formal sister city relationships, the City can also develop MOU to formalises a collaborative approach to our international partnerships.

Import / Export

State support

Contact Regional Development Victoria for advice to set up your business to export or import on 03 5215 6000 or email ([email protected]).

Trade Victoria helps connect Victorian exporters with international buyers and business leaders. They can support businesses through providing economic intelligence and data, and guidance on trends overseas. Contact Global Victoria on 03 9651 9248.

Export grants

There are a range of federal government grants which can assist regional businesses take their products and services offshore. Visit the Australian government's website for more information.