Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece on Tuesday made a subtle remark about US tariffs, noting that “trade barriers” are increasing. He, however, said Australia is “open for business” and is looking for new opportunities to collaborate.

Speaking at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, Reece underscored Australia’s commitment to open markets, collaboration, and global engagement.

“Melbourne is very much open for business. We live in a world where there is a lot of change happening. We are seeing new trade barriers go up, tariffs. That’s not our approach in Australia. In Australia we see opportunity. New opportunity to engage like never before, whether that is tech businesses, biotech students, visitors, people who want to start a new life as well,” Nicholas Reece said while addressing the event.

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