Justine Elliot, the Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, is visiting Russia to promote Australia's international education sector and advance the broader trade and investment relationship.

Mrs Elliot visited the prestigious Moscow State University and discussed study opportunities in Australia, using the visit to promote our international education sector under its new brand, Future Unlimited.

The Parliamentary Secretary also introduced the new Future Unlimited video which encapsulates what Australian education is all about: encouragingstudents to seek a better future, wherever they come from.

Whilst at Moscow State University, Mrs Elliot met members of the University's Australian Society, led by their President, Professor Anna Reshetnyak. She also met Mr Sergey Ivanets, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education and Science, to promote Australia as a study destination for holders of the newly expanded Russian Presidential Scholarship program.

Mrs Elliot's visit to Moscow also included meetings with senior Russian and Australian business people to discuss the broader trade relationship, including investment issues and beef exports.

Russia is a large trading partner of Australia's and there was in excess of $1.5 billion in two-way merchandise trade in 2010–11. This represented an increase of 64.2 per cent on the previous year in trade. This commercial relationship between our two countries continues to grow stronger.

The video is available from www.studyinaustralia.gov.au and the Australia Unlimited website, where tablet owners can also download a free Australia Unlimited app.

Media enquiries

• Parliamentary Secretary's Office: (02) 6277 4554
• Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555