South Australia’s relationship with Malaysia received a boost today as Malaysia’s International Trade and Industry Minister Dato’ Sri Mustapa Bin Mohamed visited Adelaide for the first time since 2014.
At a meeting with Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith the Ministers discussed mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities across sectors such as:
- Education
- Health and aged care
- Premium food and wine
- Heritage and planning
Malaysia is one of South Australia’s key export markets and in latest figures for 2014/16 ranked fourth behind China, the US and India as an export destination. Malaysia is also the state’s fourth largest source of international students, accounting for 5.9 per cent.
Background
The State’s relationship with Malaysia is built around the South Australia-South East Asia Engagement Strategy. The strategy builds on existing connections to develop a comprehensive approach to the region, to develop a deep and enduring engagement.
South Australia conducts regular missions to Malaysia that raise the State’s profile, help businesses gain new markets, strengthen the knowledge base and generate new investment and employment opportunities.
Adelaide enjoys a strong sister-city relationship with Malaysian city, Georgetown and the South
Australian Government has increased its profile in Malaysia by having South Australian staff in
Austrade’s Kuala Lumpur offices.
All of this supports South Australian endeavours to strengthen Government-to-Government links,
facilitate business, trade and investment opportunities.
Quotes attributable to Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith
Connecting with Malaysia, which is innovative and encourages growth, provides an excellent
opportunity for mutually beneficial outcomes.
The aim of the government’s trade and investment activity is to create jobs, secure investments and to ensure that South Australia is internationally engaged.