Join Melbourne’s rich legacy of commercial success
People from all over the world have long looked to Melbourne for opportunity and have been fortunate in finding it here. With strong government support, Melbourne has thrived on a high concentration of foreign investment.
Melbourne's industrial journey
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Today – a diverse economy
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Melbourne’s has grown into a truly diversified economy, welcoming investment from across the globe in industries such as digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, clean energy and research and development. We recently welcomed Keywords , Orsted, UST, CI&T, SunGreenH2 and LeadSquared.
Victoria’s regions complement this strength
Alongside a internationally-competitive food and fibre sector, regional Victoria hosts world-leading manufacturers, renewable energy hubs, agtech innovators and globally-significant reserves of critical minerals. These assets create strategic, high-growth opportunities for investors seeking innovation, scale and long-term returns across both metropolitan and regional markets.
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Early 2000s – a knowledge city
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Significant investment in Melbourne's higher education during the early 2000s enhanced the city's capability for producing the quantity and quality of talent that we're now famous for. At the same time it fuelled the growth of a thriving education sector.
It was during this period, that major universities such as the University of Melbourne and Monash University established their reputation for being amongst the best in the world. They now attract thousands of students from all over the world each year.
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Post-1990s – services and advanced manufacturing
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In response to growing international competition and technical advances, Melbourne transitioned into a knowledge-driven, skills-based and increasingly, export-oriented economy.
A growing and sophisticated services sector was complemented by Victoria's position as Australia's leader in advanced manufacturing. It also became a thriving and cosmopolitan global city.
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20th century – a thriving industrial hub
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From the mid 20th century, we welcomed investment from around the world. Major industrial companies such as Ford and Boeing established operations in Victoria, now with strong legacies of over 80 years. ExxonMobil has been refining crude oil in Melbourne for over 60 years and Toyota began manufacturing vehicles in Melbourne more than 50 years ago.
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19th century – 'Marvelous Melbourne'
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Melbourne’s success story began with the gold rush of the 1850s and 1860s when it was one of the largest cities in the British Empire and one of the wealthiest in the world. It was a major port and was popularly referred to as 'Marvellous Melbourne.'
FAQs
Victoria has built a diversified, globally-connected economy supported by skilled talent, strong infrastructure and pro-business policy settings. Over time, the state has successfully attracted international investment across sectors including advanced manufacturing, digital technology, life sciences and clean energy.
Victoria’s economy has transitioned from a traditional manufacturing base to a knowledge-driven and services-focused economy. Today it combines strong service industries with advanced manufacturing, research capability and growing technology sectors, creating a resilient environment for business investment.
A long record of international investment– from global manufacturers to technology companies –demonstrates the state’s ability to support business growth over the long term. Established supply chains, experienced talent and strong institutional support provide confidence for companies entering or expanding in the Victorian market.
