Indian pharmaceutical giant Cipla has opened its Australian headquarters in Melbourne, marking one of company’s first regional expansions outside of India.

State Treasurer Gordon Rich Phillips said that the establishment of the new office is a vote of confidence in Victoria’s health and pharmaceutical sectors.

“Cipla is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and its decision to establish the company’s Australian headquarters in Victoria is a major coup for our state,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“The company’s decision to invest in Melbourne as part of its expansion into Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands will create new highly skilled jobs for Victorians.

“The Cipla Australia office is one of the first of its kind with local staff that are highly skilled within the Australian medicines market.”

Mr Rich-Phillips met with Cipla’s chairman and chief executive officer in India on Monday to discuss other opportunities for future investment in Victoria.

“Melbourne’s world-class research facilities and expertise in stem cell, infectious diseases, cancer, neuroscience and agricultural biotechnology make it an ideal location for Cipla,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

Oskar Hakansson, head of Cipla’s Australian and New Zealand operations, said the company identified Australia – and specifically Melbourne – as an optimum location to be part of this pioneering step for the company.

“Through our local staff Cipla will provide superior service to existing customers, build its customer base and provide expert advice to our R&D department on requirements of the Australian medicines market for future product opportunities,” Mr Hakansson said.