The Department of State Development has successfully bid to deliver the Federal Government’s TradeStart network in South Australia for another four years, providing the state’s business community with export facilitation and better access to Austrade services.

Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton Smith made the announcement today during a visit to TradeStart client, Bird in Hand Winery.

Mr Hamilton-Smith said this decision means TradeStart will continue to help small and medium-sized enterprises in South Australia develop their business offshore.

“The Department of State Development and its predecessor agencies have delivered TradeStart in South Australia since 2006 and its delivery model is considered to be the benchmark for other states,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“South Australia’s TradeStart team has a strong track record for delivering results, as demonstrated by the service and export outcomes achieved in recent years.

“The most recent data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed South Australia’s export performance had again topped the nation, growing 15.4 per cent to $12.4 billion in the 12 months to July 2014.

“With positive results like these, I’m pleased that the department will continue to provide TradeStart services in South Australia through to 2018.”

Mr Hamilton-Smith will tour the Woodside-based Bird In Hand winery on Sunday, 14 September from 3.15pm to 4.00pm.

“Bird In Hand winery is still in its relative infancy having only been established in 2001, yet within five years it has established strong export relationships in key markets such as Hong Kong, China and the United Kingdom,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“Bird in Hand Winery is a great example of what can be achieved with TradeStart’s assistance. The company’s proactive and substantial independent investment has been rewarded with the successful entry and expansion into the China market.

“TradeStart assistance was provided through liaison with Austrade and other allies to facilitate the company’s in-market promotion and with the introduction of prospective business partners.