Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Trade, 25 July 2023
Unlocking increased opportunities with the Republic of Korea
The Rockliff Liberal Government is delivering more jobs and investment opportunities for Tasmanian businesses, with the Premier today visiting Incat to see firsthand the progress being made on their new vessel.
The Premier also announced that Tasmania has appointed its first-ever in-market Trade Advocate in the Republic of Korea (Korea) as part of our plan to create and expand trade opportunities for Tasmania, so that the economy can benefit.
“Incat is a fantastic example of a Tasmanian business that is expanding its reach on the global stage, supporting more jobs and strengthening our economy,” the Premier said.
“It was great to visit today to see first-hand their new vessel – which at 130 metres will be the largest electric vessel in the world – and hear about their plans for expansion, with new apprentices starting this week.
“It was also fitting to announce our new Trade Advocate, Mr Jean Ough, who will connect and facilitate export-ready Tasmanian businesses with opportunities in-market, and to strengthen collaborations and connections with Korea and Tasmania.
“Korea has become an increasingly important market for Tasmanian goods and services, with Incat themselves delivering their first ferry to Korea 25 years ago, and handing over the keys to their most recent vessel in June 2023.
“Congratulations to Mr Ough, and I look forward to working with him to grow these important opportunities into the future.”
The Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2019-2025 identifies Korea as a key market for focussed engagement. Korea is Tasmania’s third top destination of goods exports, with an annual export value of $503 million and around 11 per cent market share in April 2023.
Mr Ough brings extensive experience to the role and holds the position of Managing Director at Lapis International Co – his consulting company specialising in providing advisory services to organisations in diverse industries seeking expansion in both the Korean and Australian markets.
Mr Ough will join the current Tasmanian Trade Advocate appointments already made in the US, Japan and China, as part of the International Business Development Network program, enabling in-market presence to key markets for Tasmanian exporters.
Editor’s note: We located the following background on Jean Ough via Ecograph.
Jean held the position of commissioner of the Western Australian Government office in South Korea for 12 years. During his tenure, he was directly involved in multi-billion dollar investment and trade deals, and he played a key role in elevating the relationship between Western Australia and Korea to an essential level. Prior to his role as commissioner, Jean represented several reputable US IT companies as a Korea country manager, where he gained extensive experience in managing international and Korean commercial operations with a focus on market development, sales, and marketing.
In addition to his impressive professional background, Jean is also a co-founder of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea, where he served as a board director and treasurer from its formation in 2009 until his retirement from the chamber in 2020.
Jean is an Australian citizen who received his Bachelor of Business degree from Curtin University in Western Australia and his Master of Business degree from Yonsei University in Korea. He also underwent intensive language training in Taipei, which enabled him to speak Korean, English, and Chinese (Mandarin) fluently.
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