Following the success of the 2017 State Government-led program of business missions, a record 11 international business missions to 19 countries will be undertaken in 2018, including three visits to China to further strengthen South Australia’s relationship with our leading trading partner.
Released today by Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith, the targeted international engagement program gives South Australian export-ready companies the opportunity to foster international business relationships, and identify new trade and investment opportunities.
A company that achieved export success through the business mission program, T Musolino & Co, began exporting their innovative cauliflower rice product to Malaysia and Singapore through connections made during the last two government-led business missions to South East Asia.
Demand from the region for their product will see the company employ an additional five people at their Virginia premises.
Expressions of Interest for the 2018 program of business missions are now open, with the first business mission to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) scheduled for February 2018.
For more information, visit: https://statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/investment/business-missions
Background
The aim of the government’s trade and investment activities is to create jobs, secure investments and to ensure South Australia is internationally connected and outward looking.
China remains a key strategic focus for the program of business missions, being South Australia’s largest two-way trading partner making up 19.9 per cent of the state’s total exports. South Australian goods exports to China were valued at $2.27 billion in the 12 months to June 2017.
Outbound destinations include Indonesia, India, Vietnam, UK, Europe and USA. In addition to the 11 outbound business missions, the 2018 program includes delegations visiting South Australia from China, the USA, South East Asia and India to explore potential trade and investment opportunities.
Quotes attributable to Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith
The State Government continues to open the door for local companies to do business internationally. In 2017 more than 300 business delegates took part on missions, including 14 to the Middle East and North Africa; 124 to China; 20 to Europe; 38 to India; 86 to South East Asia; and 26 to North East Asia.
Our economy is built on the efforts of our small businesses and exporters and the State Government is committed to supporting them to forge new international networks.
Last financial year, 60 South Australian businesses became exporters, which was 10 more than our economic priority target. Merchandise exports to September 2017 increased by 8.9 per cent on the previous year.
For the 12 months to September 2017 South Australia’s goods exports were $12.16 billion, while services exports totalled $3.26 billion.
With more than 72,000 local jobs linked to international trade, our extensive program of business missions helps foster new opportunities for local companies to export and grow, creating jobs for South Australians.
Quotes attributable to Chris Musolino, Director T Musolino & Co
If T Musolino & Co hadn’t participated in the State Government-led business missions to South East Asia, we wouldn’t have made the connections needed to export to Singapore. My advice for other companies wanting to export would be to attend the business missions, and be prepared to give exporting your time and energy as it’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
I have plans to take our cauliflower rice product to more Australian states, but right now I am concentrating on making sure the product works overseas, as that’s where I see major opportunities for growth.