WA businesses more Asia-capable after skills workshops

  • WA small and medium enterprises (SMEs) wanting to build trade with four key Asia markets have attended a series of forums on how to develop stronger business ties with Vietnam, India, Philippines and Indonesia
  • The four Asia Business Capability Workshops, which wrapped up today with an India forum, will equip WA businesses with market skills and knowledge
  • Supporting Asian literacy and capability in local businesses is one of the four key themes of Western Australia’s Asian Engagement Strategy 2019-2030
  • Western Australian businesses are being equipped with skills to expand exports to key Asian markets through a series of Asian Engagement workshops which wrap up today.

    Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley said the four Asia Business Capability Workshops will help local SMEs learn how to harness big opportunities in the Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and India markets.

    Midland business Pioneer Water Tanks attended today’s India workshop to increase its sales in the massive Indian market, and build their networks with the country.

    The established SME, which employs 120 staff in Perth and already exports to more than 30 countries, sent two staff to learn about potential trade and investment opportunities in India.

    International IT firm Infosys also sent WA office staff to learn more about building relationships with India and meet other businesses interested in doing work there.

    India was WA’s 15th largest trading partner in 2019, with trade valued at $2.1 billion, and the 11th largest merchandise export market, valued at $1.7 billion, accounting for 12 per cent of Australia’s merchandise exports to India in 2019.

    The State Government launched the Asia Business Capability Workshop series this year to equip local businesses with the skills to export to Asia and work more effectively with Asian partners and investors.

    The workshops, attended by 65 SMEs, supported businesses to add value to COVID-19 recovery business plans, diversify their market strategies by engaging with emerging Asian markets and further develop their professional and Asia business networks.

    Supporting Asian literacy and capability in local businesses is one of the four key themes of Western Australia’s Asian Engagement Strategy 2019-2030: Our future with Asia.

    The workshops will help address some of the findings of the Economics and Industry Standing Committee’s inquiry into the State’s economic relationship with India. The ‘Turning to India: Investing in our Future’ report was released earlier this month.

    The report recommends the WA Government share more information about workshops, programs and resources to build the State’s India capability.

    For more information about the Asian Engagement Strategy, visit the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s website at https://www.wa.gov.au

    As stated by Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley:

    “It was terrific to attend the final workshop and see firsthand the many WA businesses taking advantage of the opportunity to build the skills and networks to do business with some of our key markets.

    “We have an enormous opportunity to continue to build on this, and it was fantastic to see so many people in the room who are keen to make that happen, and help create local Western Australian jobs and diversify the local economy.

    “India alone represents a massive market because it is a rapidly developing country that will need many of the high-quality goods and services that WA offers, including those from the education, mining, energy, agriculture, aquaculture and tourism sectors.”

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