The State Government has helped establish the Shandong Exhibition at the Royal Adelaide Show, which is the largest international display in the event’s history.

Cabinet visited the exhibition today to welcome some of the 150 trade delegates who are part of China’s largest ever trade delegation to South Australia.

Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said the exhibition is spread across 144 square metres.

“This Shandong Exhibition is the largest international showcase ever held at the Show and it will include demonstrations of traditional dance, craft, noddle making, tourist attractions, popular products, agricultural goods and food,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“This exhibition will assist South Australian businesses to understand the Chinese commercial market and products, while also highlighting opportunities to work with Chinese partners.

“On a cultural level, the exhibition will allow South Australians to gain a greater understanding of Shandong and the opportunities for building a closer relationship.

“Following the State Government’s largest-ever trade delegation to China in May, each new engagement is helping to build on our nearly 30-year sister state relationship.

“This relationship will provide South Australian exporters access to lucrative new markets, which will lead to a rapid escalation in export opportunities and job outcomes.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Leon Bignell said China was one of South Australia’s largest food and wine export markets.

“China’s growing demand for high quality food and wine, combined with South Australia’s strong reputation for food safety, biosecurity and product integrity, has created significant opportunities for South Australian exporters,” Mr Bignell said.

“By building on this relationship we are providing our local exporters access to lucrative new markets, which will lead to a rapid escalation in opportunities and additional jobs in our state.

“New tourism figures also show the number of Chinese tourists visiting South Australia is increasing.

“We have dramatically increased our spending in the China market this year with $1million being spent on marketing South Australia in Shandong alone.

“The annual visitor economy from Chinese tourists has increased from $144 million to $171 million and this is also critical to increasing employment in our regions.”