More than 130 Chinese investors, business migrants and economic leaders are in Adelaide to network with South Australian companies.

Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said the Invest in South Australia conference will strengthen business and investment opportunities with China.

“Over the next three days, we will showcase the very best of South Australia to Chinese investors and potential business migrants.

“Delegates will tour our famous wineries and world-class education facilities. They’ll meet with industry, business and government leaders to learn more about our China engagement projects. Business migrants will also hear from others who have successfully established businesses in South Australia.

“Today’s conference will provide another opportunity to continue our robust investment dialogue and promote South Australia as the place to do business,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

Fifteen local companies from the seafood, biotechnology, agribusiness, clean technology and wine sectors will pitch their business proposals to potential investors.

“Some of the proposals will include seafood businesses seeking distribution and marketing channels into new markets and companies with new solutions to energy storage who require capital to advance production.”

Mr Hamilton-Smith said companies at the conference will have the option to attend the second South Australia Cooperation and Development Forum in Shandong next year.

“China continues to be the State’s largest trading partner, with the latest figures showing $3.2 billion in goods exported from this state in the past 12 months.

“China is a booming export market for Australian business growing 29.4 per cent on last year, especially in minerals, energy and premium food production.

“With the signing of the historic free trade agreement between Australia and China, our State is ready to reap an abundance of opportunities across our innovative sectors including food and wine, education, tourism and urban development.

“My message to all potential investors and business migrants is that South Australia is rich with opportunities, open and ready for business.”