New investments

Business Asia, Oct, 2007

Tiger Airways

One of Asia's leading low fare airlines, Tiger Airways decided to establish their headquarters in Melbourne this year at Tullamarine Airport.

Tiger Airways President and CEO Tony Davis said that it was a very tough decision as many of the competing airports put forward very strong presentations. "We went through a thorough and detailed selection process and chose Melbourne, as it presented the best opportunity for the successful launch of Australia's first truly 'Low Fare' airline."

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Victorian Minister for Industry and Trade, Theo Theophanous, said that the Brumby Government was delighted to be working with Tiger Airways to help them establish their Australian headquarters in Melbourne.

"Tiger's decision to come to Melbourne will give Victoria a valuable opportunity, ahead of other states, to work with a proven low-cost barrier," he said.

"It will create 1000 direct and indirect jobs and support the growth of Victorian tourism and the major events program.

"With its low fare structure, Tiger will grow the leisure market to Victoria, creating demand for new hotels and other investments and improving accessibility to major events, such as the Spring Racing Carnival, the Australian Open Tennis and Formula One Grand Prix.

"It will also enhance Victoria's aviation capabilities, including maintenance as a result of Tiger's relationship with John Holland Aviation Services."

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Orica Australia

Orica Australia is collaborating with China Water to establish a plant in China's Jiangsu Province, Victoria's sister state, that will produce 100 million litres per day.

Victorian Water Minister Tim Holding said of the deal, "This is a great example of a Victorian-based multinational business exporting a locally developed technology to one of the largest markets in the world."

"There are great opportunities for companies that have foresight and develop technologies and other solutions to environmental challenges like water resource management," Mr Holding said.

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Orica's MIEX technology is a magnetic ion exchange technology using resin beads with a unique magnetic property. The innovative and environmentally-friendly technology has applications in both drinking and wastewater treatment.

Mr Holding said that recycling water for non-consumptive use was an important part of the Next Stage of the Government's Water Plan, announced in June 2007.

Mr Zhai Haohui, Chairman of the Chian Agricultural Watersaving Technology Association (former Vice Minister for Water) also launched the China Water office in Melbourne which will serve as a conduit to facilitate water-related investment opportunities and technology transfers between Victoria and China.

The Office will be located in the Melbourne International Business Centre, which was established by the Victorian Government in conjunction with the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Employers' Chambers of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) in 2005. The Centre is designed for overseas investors, particularly Asian investors, to acclimatise to the business environment in Victoria by providing temporary office facilities and market briefings.

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