With only 112 days until the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, the Austrade national business-hosting program, Match Australia, was launched recently at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Representing the Premier Dr Denis Napthine, Victorian Cabinet Secretary, Inga Peulich said Match Australia was a key part of the 80 Days of Melbourne Business Hosting Initiative, which leverages Melbourne’s calendar of major international events to deliver positive investment and trade outcomes for the State.

In partnership with the Victorian Government, Austrade will deliver a joint business hosting program associated with the India vs. South Africa cricket match at the MCG next February.

The program will involve hosting mining, resources and investment delegations from India and Africa in Melbourne on the three days prior to the match.

“The Cricket World Cup is just one of the 15 major internal sporting, arts and cultural events that Victoria will host between 9 January and 29 March, 2015,” Ms Peulich said.

“Senior international business leaders will be invited to visit Melbourne to attend the Cricket World Cup and other world class events and participate in specific, tailored business engagement programs focused on economic development and jobs growth in Victoria.”

“The 80 Days of Melbourne provides an opportunity to build on the success of recent years to drive growth, investment and jobs for the Victorian economy,” Ms Peulich said.

Ms Peulich said Melbourne was the sports capital of Australia and one of the world’s greatest sporting cities.

“Melbourne is recognised for hosting world class events that draw huge international and domestic crowds all year round,” Ms Peulich said.

“The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is one of the world’s most watched single-sport tournaments and we are privileged in Melbourne to be hosting five matches including the opening Australian match against the old enemy England and the final on 29th March.

“Melbourne’s matches are expected to generate approximately $90 million in economic benefit to Victoria and attract more than 350,000 cricket fans,” Ms Peulich said.