The Allan Labor Government is creating opportunities for Victorian businesses in Southeast Asia by appointing a new Commissioner for Victoria.

Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas today announced the appointment of Ms Naila Mazzucco as Victoria’s Commissioner to Southeast Asia, bringing significant experience and expertise that will boost the state’s economic activity within the region.

Ms Mazzucco has led multicultural and multigenerational trade, investment, education and consular teams globally, and is coming into the Commissioner role following a tenure as Australia’s Consul-General in Milan and Trade and Investment Commissioner for Italy, Southeast Europe and Israel.

Ms Mazzucco brings a wealth of experience to the role and has previously lived and worked in Asia for more than 12 years. She has worked across government, the multilateral sector and private sectors in Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and the Philippines.

Victoria’s economic relationship with Southeast Asia is stronger than ever, with two-way merchandise trade reaching a record high of more than $27 billion in 2023 and fibre exports to Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines increasing significantly in the same year.

The appointment of the new Commissioner continues the Labor Government’s engagement with the region as it grows, increasing opportunities for Victorian businesses in the Southeast Asian economy – predicted to be the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030.

The Victorian Budget 2024/25 provides $7.3 million over two years to boost trade through engagement – strengthening Victoria’s international relationships, supporting Victorian businesses in key global markets and attracting investment into the state.

The Victorian Government Trade and Investment office network is the largest and most effective international network of any Australian state or territory, with Southeast Asia offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta, where Ms Mazzucco will begin her post from mid-July 2024.

As stated by Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas

“Southeast Asia is an important trading partner and investor for our state – Ms Mazzucco’s experience will help us further strengthen our partnership and leverage opportunities for Victoria.”

“Our network of global offices boosts Victoria’s international engagement and raises our profile, attracting investment and driving exports – creating jobs and economic growth in our state.”

As stated by Southeast Asia Commissioner appointee Naila Mazzucco

“This is an exciting time to be taking up this role in the fast-growing Southeast Asia region and I look forward to working on the ground in Jakarta to strengthen Victoria’s regional engagement and partnerships, and deepen commercial, education, cultural and whole-of-Victorian Government relationships.”