Next month’s trade mission to India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Singapore will focus on increasing export opportunities for Tasmania with some of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing economies.
The Premier, Will Hodgman, and the Minister for State Growth, Matthew Groom, will lead the trade mission.
They will be joined by representatives from the education, energy, tourism and hospitality and food and beverage sectors.
The Premier said that the trade mission is focused on creating new opportunities for Tasmania in some of the world’s fastest growing economies.
“Recent trade missions to China have helped cement a strong relationship between China and Tasmania and has opened the door for Tasmanian businesses to the second-biggest economy in the world. As a result, Tasmanian exports to China have increased nearly 80 per cent in the 12 months to June,” Mr Hodgman said.
“The next stage of our international engagement strategy sees us branch out to India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Singapore. These are all countries that are experiencing rapid economic growth and an increasing demand for products that Tasmania excels at producing.
“India, in particular, is the fastest growing major economy in the world, but accounts for less than three per cent of our total exports. There are amazing opportunities for Tasmanian businesses in India and that’s why it will be the focus of this trade mission.
“The ten-day trade mission will include stops in Singapore, Jakarta, New Delhi, Mumbai, Trivandrum and Colombo. The focus will be on promoting Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality industry, our premium food and beverages, advanced manufacturing, tertiary education, vocational training and renewable energy expertise,” the Premier said.
State Growth Minister, Matthew Groom, said that there has already been strong interest from India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Singapore in what Tasmania has to offer.
“I’m excited about showcasing Tasmania’s world-leading skills in renewable energy,” Mr Groom said.
“I will be meeting with India’s Energy Minister, among others, to talk about these opportunities and I will also co-host an Energy Roundtable event in New Delhi with the Premier to discuss how Tasmanian expertise can help deliver renewable energy projects in India.
“Other meetings will discuss Tasmania’s advanced manufacturing expertise, mining opportunities and our tertiary education and vocational training sectors.
“This is an investment in Tasmania’s future. We need to grasp these opportunities with both hands. That’s what this Government is doing and the Tasmanian community will share the benefits through a growing economy, more jobs and closer cultural ties with other countries.”
The trade mission is on between the 2nd and 11th of September. The complete itinerary will be released this week.
Will Hodgman, Premier, Matthew Groom, Minister for State Growth
