Retired Australian Defence Force Chief, Air Chief Marshall Sir Angus Houston AK, AC, AFC has been appointed South Australia’s Trade and Investment Special Envoy to support the Government in delivering its international trade and investment program.

Premier Jay Weatherill said Sir Angus, through his military roles and most recently as the coordinator of the search for the missing MH370, had built deep relationships with a number of military leaders who now hold significant Government positions across Asia.

“In this two-year appointment, Sir Angus will advise on trade and investment activities, provide support for inbound and outbound trade missions and participate on the State Government’s proposed International Engagement Advisory Council,” Mr Weatherill said.

“Sir Angus will have a particular focus, on but not limited to South East Asia, a region in which he has intimate knowledge and extensive business networks which we’ll look to leverage off to benefit South Australian businesses.

“In particular, Sir Angus brings with him well-established diplomatic relationships with government across the South East Asian region, which will be important in his role as Special Envoy.”

Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said Sir Angus would provide advice on South Australia’s international engagement strategies and provide new introductions for the State in priority markets.

“More recently, Sir Angus was awarded the Knight of the Order of Australia in January 2015 for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“Sir Angus is also Chair of Airservices Australia, the Council for the Order of Australia, the Defence South Australia Advisory Board and is a Board Member of the Lowy Institute for International Policy.”

Mr Hamilton-Smith said the appointment of Sir Angus is another step in the implementation of the recently released South Australia-South East Asia Engagement Strategy.

”One of Sir Angus’ first activities will be to accompany the Premier on a business mission to South East Asia scheduled for August which aims to build connections and facilitate interest with potential trading partners,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“I look forward to working with Sir Angus in delivering the state’s international trade and investment program, not only in South East Asia, but also India, the Middle East and China.”

Sir Angus said he was very much looking forward to taking on the role.

“I am very pleased to have been appointed to the position as Special Envoy, I look forward to working with the State Government and I hope I can make a positive difference,” he said.