The State Government’s newly established agency Investment Attraction South Australia has secured about 400 jobs in the State in its first four months.
Speaking today at the inaugural Investment and Trade Statement event at the Adelaide Oval, Premier Jay Weatherill said the State Government has taken a bold, new direction for trade and investment with an emphasis on boosting South Australia’s economy and creating jobs.
“Chaired by eminent businessman Rob Chapman, Investment Attraction South Australia is playing an essential role in the transformation of our State’s economy,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Along with Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith and Chief Executive Mike Hnyda we are focusing efforts on sectors where we can realise opportunities for growth.
“This will provide South Australia with a competitive edge and better links to global industries.
“This is a strategic and targeted approach, to unlock our State’s potential as the best place to do business, create jobs, develop industry and attract investment.
“Already this week we announced that ScreenAway, a South Australian start-up which develops a unique type of retractable flyscreen and block-out blind, is partnering with automotive supply chain company Adelaide Tooling to manufacture the ground-breaking product at its new Regency Park facility.
“Over two years, this partnership will lead to the creation of up to 300 jobs.
“That’s 300 workers in our northern suburbs who have a future because of this innovative partnership facilitated by the State Government’s Investment Attraction South Australia.”
The agency also helped secure a multi-million dollar investment from Buddy Platform, a US- based company “Internet of Things” data company, which will establish its Australian base in Adelaide, creating 30 jobs.
Another 50 new jobs will be created as a result of a $55 million venture by Australian Global Wine Services, in conjunction with Red Capital Pty Ltd. Today they announced plans to build a large bottling, storage and container facility at Port Adelaide.
The announcements come as Mr Weatherill today releases the Annual Trade and Investment Statement, which outlines how the State Government aims to enhance South Australia’s appeal to investors and showcases the State’s recent achievements.
“It sets out how we will work with business to make and grow the connections required to facilitate exports and develop the traded goods sector in the key regions of South East Asia, India, China and the North Atlantic,” Mr Weatherill said.
“We have built an extensive program of activity in the development of engagement strategies for each target region of interest to South Australia, focusing our efforts and resources in areas that will deliver the greatest impact.”
Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith said South Australia’s overseas goods and services export market is worth $14.3 billion and supports more than 65,000 jobs.
“We want more businesses to export to more destinations in larger quantities,” Mr Hamilton- Smith said.
“We have the expertise in South Australia to produce unique, premium products, solutions and services; and numerous opportunities for foreign investment.
“The majority of South Australia’s small to medium enterprises have recognised that their ongoing prosperity depends on trading with international markets.
“The State’s future economic growth depends on our relationship with international partners.
“As our economy transforms from a traditional manufacturing base to a high-value technology base, we are strengthening our international connections for the benefit of business.”
Chair of the Investment Attraction South Australia board Rob Chapman said well-established networks in the State’s business community would enable connections to significant investment-ready opportunities.
“Our key focus is on capturing foreign direct investment which global examples show lead to job creation and business growth,” Mr Chapman said.
“We are working to attract capital to growth sectors, establish new operations of international firms and accelerate the start-up of new industries.”
Trade and investment initiatives align to the State Government’s economic priority: Promoting South Australia’s international connections and engagement.
For more information visit: www.invest.sa.gov.au