Senator David Van Hosts 3rd Consulate Roundtable

Senator for Victoria, Senator David Van, has chaired a diplomacy roundtable teleconference, attended by consul-generals representing over 30 countries. The discussion during the roundtable focussed on immediate issues arising from COVID-19 and how to work together on trade to best rebuild economies.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, provided a briefing to the roundtable on the Australian Government’s response to COVID-19 and the Government’s support for trade and international investment into the future.

Following the success of previous diplomacy roundtables, Senator Van reiterated his belief that during times of crisis, communication between countries should remain open, frank and productive.

“At this time of great health and economic challenges due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I think it is more important than ever to pull together as an international community,” Senator Van said.

“This can be at many different levels, not just via official channels.

“The significant number of countries represented at the roundtable shows the commitment of the international community to work together on the post-COVID-19 road map.”

Senator Van led discussions on the response to COVID-19 across Victoria’s diasporas – including businesses and in communities. The roundtable also considered how participating countries can assist with the recovery after the crisis through productive trade cooperation, economic relationships and people-to-people linkages.

Participating countries in the roundtable included consul‑generals from China, France, India, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.