The State Government has strengthened its international engagement strategy with the launch of a trade mission blueprint to assist businesses to increase exports and create jobs.
Following the State Government’s largest ever delegation to China, the 2016 program will again target key global markets.
Program highlights include China; India and South East Asia; United States of America; Europe and the United Kingdom; the Middle East and North Africa; Japan and South Korea.
Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said the new international mission blueprint will set a pattern for future years and will give small to medium enterprises certainty as they structure their own international engagement programs.
“More and more South Australian businesses are looking beyond their existing domestic markets, selling premium products and services to the world,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“The international business mission program includes outbound and inbound delegations, to connect exporters with global markets and generate new employment opportunities.
“More South Australian businesses will have the chance to meet local distributors, importers or investment partners and secure international orders for products and services.
“Our overseas goods and services export market is worth $14.3 billion and supports more than 65,000 jobs – the State Government wants more businesses to export to more destinations in larger quantities.
“The State Government recognises that South Australia’s ongoing prosperity depends on our trade and investment in growing international markets.
“For a small state in a global economy, we continue to overcome challenges, our small to medium businesses are excelling in growth export sectors including advanced manufacturing, services – and the production of premium food where exports have risen by 10%.
“South Australia is committed to enhancing its export markets – this international program sends a strong signal that South Australia is serious about doing international business.
“South Australia is well placed to benefit from the signing of trade agreements including The Trans Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement, China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement and Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
“These agreements have cleared the path for South Australian industry to expand internationally and will further integrate South Australia into the fast growing regions of the world by removing barriers to trade and investment.
“There has also been significant interest from South Australian businesses in the State Government’s Export Partnership Program which provides 50:50 funding up to $50,000 to assist companies to boost exports to international markets.
“State Government TradeStart advisers are also available to support current and aspiring exporters to strategically engage with international markets.”
For more information visit: www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/businessmissions