A new business office will be opened in Turkey to forge economic and cultural development under a Victorian Labor Government.

The initiative capitalises on Australia handing over leadership of the G20 to Turkey after the successful summit in Brisbane and marks the expansion of our relationship as we commemorate the centenary of Gallipoli.

“The evolution of Australia-Turkey relations is timely and relevant and I am delighted Daniel Andrews has taken the leadership to increase business, trade and cultural ties between our countries,” Broadmeadows MP, Frank McGuire declared.

“I called for this initiative to be implemented almost two years ago because of the unique relationship between Australia and Turkey and Labor in power will deliver it,” Mr. McGuire said.

“A new Government Business Office in Istanbul would place Victorian businesses at the hinge point of Europe, Asia and Africa, providing easy access to more than 50 countries and half the world’s population.

“This is a vital connection for trade,” Mr McGuire said. “I called for an office in Turkey to be established after a study tour where I also laid a wreath on behalf of all the residents of Broadmeadows, which has played a unique role in the Gallipoli legend.

“Diggers from Victoria were trained at the Broadmeadows Army Camp before being sent to fight at Gallipoli, while decades later the camp became a migrant hostel where Turkish families first called Australia home.

“Broadmeadows now has the highest population of Turkish-Australian families, so a Victorian Business Office in Istanbul will not only be important for the economic, social and cultural development of the state but it will also be particularly significant for families and businesses in Broadmeadows,” Mr McGuire said.

Labor leader Daniel Andrews declared: “Turkey is seen as a strong and stable export market and on the eve of the 100^th anniversary of Gallipoli, what better way is there to send a message to our friends in Turkey that Victoria is open for business.”

An Andrews Labor Government will also bring delegates from across the world to Victoria to showcase Victoria goods, services and technology to international business leaders.