Labor Government Strengthens Education And Research Ties With Latin America

Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert has tonight welcomed an inbound higher education research mission from Latin America at a dinner at the State Library of Victoria.

25 participants from Latin America are in Victoria, as part of a jointly funded Andrews Labor Government and Australian Government Fellowship program.

The Australia Awards Fellowship program, announced during the outbound Latin America education mission in April this year, is designed to strengthen links between Victorian and Latin American universities, industries and government.

The fellows will spend the next three weeks meeting with Victoria’s nine universities, government and industry leaders with a strategic interest in developing research linkages and sharing knowledge on research policy and management.

They represent 18 Latin American Government Research Agencies and universities from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.

Mr Herbert said the inbound mission is an important step to build the momentum and secure further opportunities for Victorian institutions.

The outbound education mission, led by Mr Herbert, was the largest Victorian delegation to visit Latin America and aimed to build long term educational partnerships and identify capacity building and reform opportunities.

Mr Herbert said Victoria’s economy is driven by the success of our education system. International education is Victoria’s single largest export sector generating $5.3 billion and supports more than 30,000 jobs.

The Labor Government has identified international education as one of Victoria’s future industries, and we’re working with the sector to boost its potential and to create new jobs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert

“It’s a great honour to host these 25 Latin American fellows as we look to strengthen links between Victorian and Latin American universities, industries and government.”

“The growing economies of Latin America form an important part of Victoria’s international education sector. Strong links with these countries will be of great benefit to both Victorian and Latin American education and research institutions.”

“Strong research and industry links don’t happen automatically, that’s why this inbound education mission is vital to build on the momentum from our successful education mission to Latin America in April this year.”

“This Government is committed to cementing Victoria as the Education State and strengthening our international education ties will help achieve this.”

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