Role of migrants and small businesses in supporting the Victorian economy
Migration and cultural diversity fill skill gaps, boosts population, strengthens small business and helps us innovate. A third of Victorian businesses are now owned by migrants.
Research shows that these businesses are much more likely to hire other migrants, creating employment opportunities and contributing positively to social cohesion and diversity in Victoria. A diverse workforce is better able to make the most of the opportunities of a global market and respond effectively to the needs of the Victorian community.
Multicultural Chambers of Commerce
While the Multicultural Chambers of Commerce Group is no longer coordinated by the VMC, you can still contact them individually below:
The Argentine Chamber of Commerce provides a range of business networking opportunities and information on relevant matters related to the commercial and business relations between Australia and Argentina.
Companies and individuals interested in developing their position in the business community of both countries can become members of the chamber and access exclusive services, events and benefits.
Website: archam.com.au(opens in a new window)
The Australia Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to facilitating trade with Afghanistan, by providing the very best quality research, networking events and business matching services between Australia and Afghanistan.
The Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AACCI) was established in 1975. AACCI is the peak national association for two-way trade and investment between Australia and the 22 countries of the Arab League countries. AACCI is an active member of the Union of Arab Chambers and has fostered strong links with the Australian state and federal governments; Arab diplomatic missions to Australia; Australian heads of missions, chambers of commerce and other networks across Middle East and Africa. AACCI is authorised to issue and certify Certificates of Australian Origin as well as provides a wide range of services for members.
The ABCC was established in 1978 to promote bilateral trade and investment between Australia and Brazil. Through regular events, advocacy, broad business and government networks, the ABCC raises awareness of the strong Australia-Brazil business relationship, promotes the capabilities of its members and shares information for members and newcomers to establish business contacts and learn about emerging opportunities.
The Australian British Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1910, is the leading independent organisation in Australia promoting, fostering and furthering trade and investment between Australia and the United Kingdom.
The Australia China Business Council (ACBC) is the premier organisation dedicated to promoting business and trade between Australia and the People’s Republic of China. ACBC is the largest, most active and diverse not-for profit membership-based business council in Australia, with branches in every state and territory. They have close links with Chinese and Australian Government officials, NGOs and expatriate groups and provide regular business-focused activities and events for members.
Website: acbc.com.au(opens in a new window)
Fostering bi-lateral trade for 30 years.
Established in 1986, the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) was founded to foster bilateral relations between the 2 countries.
The AIBC is a national membership organisation with active chapters in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra and maintains close relationships with federal and state government agencies, the diplomatic corps and industry bodies and showcases opportunities to the Australian business community through an active program of events.
Website: aibc.org.au(opens in a new window)
ALABC was established in 1989, and today our membership is comprised of leading companies and individuals who are at the forefront of forging business links between Australia and Latin America.
Website: alabc.com.au(opens in a new window)
The Australian Lithuanian Business Council facilitates the development of business relationships between Lithuania and Australia; brings together companies and professionals to pursue the development of business links between Lithuania and Australia and represents the interests of the members to the public, business community and government organisations of both countries.
Established in 1973, AMBC Victoria is a dynamic, business-focused, member-based business organisation that fosters, supports and promotes business and investment opportunities and cultural interactions between Victoria and Malaysia. They provide a platform for members to identify business opportunities in Malaysia and develop useful long-term contacts with Malaysian government trade facilitation departments and organisations.
The Australia Thailand Business Council (ATBC) is the go-to body in Australia for access, insight and advocacy on Aust-Thai business. The Council works to build strong links between the private sectors of Australian and Thai businesses, as well as developing mutually beneficial relations with our respective governments.
The Council works in close collaboration with key stakeholders, in particular, the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra, the Thai Trade Commission, the Thai Board of Investment in Sydney, and the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AustCham).Enabling Victorian based businesses professionals, organisations, entrepreneurs and individuals with Maltese heritage a supportive environment to effectively network business ideas and opportunities for mutual benefit.
Website: amcc.org.au(opens in a new window)
Australian Turkish Business Council (ATBC) is a non-profit organization with an elected Board of members made up of dedicated professionals who organise specific events, promote business opportunities, run educational and information seminars, meet with visiting delegates from Turkey, promote and celebrate Turkish culture and encourage the prosperity of Australian-Turkish relations.
It is through the support of our membership that the ATBC has been running since 2002 and officially registered in August 2013, as the most active Turkish community council representing the interests of businesses and professionals in Australia.
The collective efforts of our members have given us the opportunity to lobby at government levels and have a voice that can be heard.
The Australia-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce was established in 2015 and has as its goal the advancement of the broader Australia-Ukraine business relationship through the effective representation of its members. They build connections between members and broader stakeholders in Australia and Ukraine, deliver advocacy programs and provide information and insights through business events and online platforms.
Website: aucc.biz(opens in a new window)
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Victoria was established in 1987 to encourage Chinese-Australian business networking.
Website: cccv.com.au(opens in a new window)
The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) is one of Australia’s foremost international chambers of commerce. Representing a diverse business and professional membership base encompassing a broad range of industry sectors.
Website: hacci.com.au(opens in a new window)
The Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce is the kindred network, committed to adding value and bringing opportunities to its members.
Through events, programs and initiatives, our chamber provides members a network of support and a platform to further business objectives.
Importantly, it acts as a bridge for those wanting to collaborate with like-minded people and make the most effective connections.The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Melbourne (JCCiM) was established in September 1963 to achieve the following objectives:
- To advance the robust development of economic activities and cater to common profits for its members
- To promote and strengthen business and investment ties between Australia and Japan
- To plan and finance for appropriate objectives approved by the Board, and
- To amplify the achievement of above mentioned objectives and accomplish all activities contributing to these achievements
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the largest and most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients across the state.
Founded in 1851 with the aim to make Melbourne one of the world’s great free ports, today we continue leading business into the future through advocacy, leadership and services focused on innovation and growth.
Find out more about some of our other VMC groups and networks:

VMC Regional Advisory Councils
Regional Advisory Councils inform the Victorian Multicultural Commission about the issues that matter most to diverse Victorians.

Multifaith Advisory Group
The Multifaith Advisory Group comprises religious leaders across Victoria communities. It provides advice on issues affecting faith communities.
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