Minster for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway will officially open South Australia’s new Trade and Investment Office in Shanghai today as part of his week-long visit to China.
The new office is the first milestone in the Marshall Liberal Government’s $12.8 million State Budget investment to establish five new overseas trade offices.
This expanded global presence aims to help increase South Australia’s international trade and support exporters in accessing markets in China, the Americas, North East Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East.
“The Shanghai office complements a range of initiatives by the South Australian Government to take South Australia to the world and has been specifically located within the existing Australian Trade and Investment Commission at the Consulate-General Shanghai to support collaboration with the Federal Government,” said Minister Ridgway.
“South Australia values its relationship with China – our largest two-way trading partner, our highest source of international students and one of our most valuable tourism visitor markets.
“Like many parts of the world, China and South Australia are continually adapting to a fast-changing global environment and building on our successful relationship to grow exports, attract investment and create jobs.
“Together, South Australia and China have already built a remarkable trade and investment partnership based on complementary interests, vision and entrepreneurship and we are genuinely excited about the creation of our new Shanghai office, to continue to build upon the momentum.”
Minister Ridgway said the Shanghai trade and investment office will extend South Australia’s network in China to cover north and east China, whilst complementing the existing office in Jinan, Shandong and representation in Hong Kong.
“Growing our trade with China remains a clear focus of the Marshall Liberal Government, and this new office ensures we will be well-advanced in further growing export opportunities for South Australia, particularly in food, wine and services,” said Minister Ridgway.
Mr Ridgway said the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement continues to open new doors for companies, both in South Australia and China to deepen their relationships. The government expects further growth to be stimulated between South Australia and China as our relationship matures and flourishes.
The office will be headed by the state’s new Country Director for China, Ms Xiaoya Wei, who will be officially appointed at today’s office opening.
