Ms Valérie Pécresse, the President of the Regional Council of Île-de-France, led a business delegation during a few days in New Zealnd and Australia, concluding her trip in Melbourne. This was an effective charm offensive to promote Paris and its surrounding region before the forthcoming Rugby World Cup  in 2023 and the Olympoc Games in 2024!

Ms Pécresse insisted on the long-term friendship between France and Victoria, comparing Greater Paris and Greater Melbourne as innovative, cultural, gastronomic and sporting capitals needing to further cement and develop their partnership.

The two day visit was a whirlwind of meetings and various connections, from the Premier of Victoria and the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, to a visit to the NGV, a visit to the NEOEN Big Battery,  meeting with local companies at a FACCI cocktail function, to a breakfast with businesswomen organised by Global Victoria, to a lunch with sports tech companies, to a meeting with tours operators organised by Atout France and Choose Paris Region, to trying out an hydrogen car before finishing with a superb dinner at Governemnt House hosted by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Linda Dessau AC.

Selected photos hereafter…