Governor Hogan Concludes Australia Mission in Melbourne, Signs Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Life Sciences Industry

Statement

Governor Larry Hogan concluded his infrastructure and economic development mission to Australia with a series of meetings in Melbourne. The day's events included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of Victoria to promote collaboration in the life sciences industry, as well as a speech to leaders of the state's business community.

"We are looking beyond our borders for opportunities to forge even more international partnerships around the world," said Governor Hogan. "And what better place to start than the state of Victoria, which shares our strong commitment to innovation and to fostering new ideas, especially in the life sciences and aerospace and defense. Maryland's life sciences industry includes 2,700 companies that employ 45,000 people and generate $18.6 billion in annual economic activity. Maryland, like Victoria, truly is open for business, and now we are looking forward to forging even closer ties between our two states and between our two business communities."

Memorandum of Understanding on Life Sciences

Governor Hogan joined Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews to sign an MOU to strengthen economic ties between the states, particularly in the life sciences industry. Under the MOU, Maryland and Victoria will support businesses and research organizations in each respective state and help them connect with potential partners for joint life sciences projects. The two states will also host seminars and encourage collaboration when companies from both states attend industry trade shows. There will also be a working group with members from each state to regularly discuss the progress of the MOU.

On Thursday, Governor Hogan signed an MOU with South Australian Premier Steven Marshall to promote mutual cooperation in the areas of cybersecurity, satellite technology, and trade.

Speech to Victoria Business Leaders

Governor Hogan later addressed an audience of Victoria's business leaders to promote and expand Maryland's international economic ties. The governor highlighted Maryland's pro-business environment, including the state's world-class institutions and highly skilled workforce, as well as its existing relationships with Victoria, which include collaboration in aerospace and defense.

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