Opportunities for business investment and trade between China, Malaysia and regional South Australia will be the focus of today’s Invest in Regional South Australia Exhibition in Adelaide.
Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said the exhibition will provide an opportunity for Chinese and Malaysian business migrants and agency representatives to network and build relationships with regional South Australian businesses and councils.
“Today’s exhibition will provide an opportunity for international delegates to meet with representatives from regional councils, businesses, the Local Government Association of South Australia and the Australian China Business Council,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“Many of those visiting from China and Malaysia have experience in agriculture, engineering, manufacturing, trade, retail, transportation, food and beverages, clothing and consulting.
The Invest in Regional South Australia Exhibition will feature councils from Wattle Range, Murray Bridge, the Riverland Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Yorke Peninsula.
“A number of South Australian businesses will also showcase what their regions have to offer.
“These will include tourism operators offering high-end luxury tourism, as well as agri-business including food business, such as Skara Smallgoods and Buzz Honey, seafood companies including Aqualee Fisheries and Reef Encounters. There will also be a range of local wineries represented, including boutique beer brewer Prancing Pony.
“The exhibition will showcase South Australia’s regional, premium agricultural offerings,
“Each business is ‘export-ready’ and keen to engage with investors from overseas markets.
“South Australian businesses have expertise and significant capability across these sectors, which are increasingly sought after,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
Another focus for councils participating in the exhibition is to encourage business migrants to visit the regions and see first-hand the breadth of South Australia’s offering.
Tourism is a significant driver of direct and indirect employment in regional South Australia and offers a window to trade and investment opportunities across a range of industries.
The State Government’s South Australia-China Engagement Strategy outlines initiatives to foster business links that are mutually beneficial.
In May 2015 the State’s largest delegation of 250 representatives visited China and a visit is also planned for April 2016 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between South Australia and Shandong.
China continues to be the State’s largest trading partner, with merchandise goods export valued at $2.35 billion in the 12 months to September 2015.
“We have a long export history with China and the China Free Trade Agreement will bring considerable benefits to the South Australian economy, in particular for agriculture and seafood,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“This year we also launched our newest international engagement strategy for South East Asia, which encompasses Malaysia.
“I visited Malaysia in August with more than 100 company representatives from South Australia.
“South Australia is closely linked to Malaysia through our sister-city relationship between Adelaide and Georgetown in Penang.
“This relationship was established 42 years ago and has been beneficial in promoting strong, social, cultural and economic ties.”
South Australia has an abundance of opportunities that can be sought within the State’s innovative economic and industrial base – one that supports some of the world’s leading companies.
“By showcasing opportunities available to potential business migrants and investors from China and Malaysia, we are supporting job creation and commercial opportunities to South Australia,” Minister Hamilton-Smith said.
“We want the world to know that South Australia is open for business and investment.
“We have a number of opportunities available within key growth sectors such as minerals and energy, defence and aerospace, food and wine, tourism, urban development health industries and information and communications technology.
“These provide a range of opportunities for business migrants looking to make the move and invest in South Australia.”