The State of Victoria in Australia is making a compelling pitch to Qatari investors, spotlighting a diverse mix of high-growth sectors such as renewable energy, health, sports, agri-food, education, and technology.
In a conversation with The Peninsula, Gönül Serbest, Commissioner for Victoria to Europe, the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa at the Victorian Government Trade and Investment, said:
“Qatari investors will find Victoria offering a compelling, stable, and globally connected investment environment. As Australia’s fastest growing state, Victoria contributes around 25 percent of the national GDP and population, and Melbourne has consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities.”
The state, home to over 7 million people, boasts a $129 billion startup and innovation ecosystem.
“Melbourne is among the top 40 global startup hubs,” Serbest noted, positioning it as an ideal partner for Qatar’s ambitions to expand its tech-driven economy.
This resonates closely with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which emphasizes diversification and innovation.
Sports, Sustainability, and Education at the Heart of Qatari Investors
Sports innovation is emerging as a keystone for Qatar–Victoria engagement. Melbourne, often dubbed the sporting capital of Australia, is gaining recognition as a hub for sports tech, infrastructure, and event management.
“We were thrilled to welcome to Melbourne, sporting legend and icon Tim Cahill, an enduring ambassador for Australia-Qatar relations,” Serbest said, referring to a successful trade mission aligned with the SportNXT conference, which included delegates from Qatar Foundation and Aspire Academy.
This engagement will soon be reciprocated, with a return trade mission to the Gulf, focused on deepening partnerships in sports, technology, and knowledge exchange. “We are preparing to bring Victorian companies from the sports sector to Qatar and beyond,” she added.
Education and edtech are also priority areas. Victoria, known as Australia’s education state, hosts 11 universities (including two in the global top 50) and over 1,000 private education providers.
The government plans to strengthen ties through participation in the upcoming WISE Summit in Qatar, a major global forum on education innovation.
In the energy sector, Victoria is leading with an ambitious target of 95% renewable electricity by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045—outpacing national goals. The state is investing nearly $35 billion in renewable energy projects, making it an attractive opportunity for Qatar as it looks to diversify its energy portfolio.
On the agri-food front, Victoria continues to be Australia’s top food-exporting state, producing over one-third of the nation’s food exports, valued at $40 billion. The state is also a leader in sustainable farming and agtech, offering Qatari investors a springboard into the Asia-Pacific markets.
“This presents tremendous potential for Qatari investors seeking access to the Asia-Pacific through a trusted agricultural base,” Serbest concluded.
With strong government backing, a robust innovation ecosystem, and clear alignment with Qatar’s strategic goals, Victoria is positioning itself as a gateway for Qatari capital, and bridging investment with impact across vital sectors.
