Export taskforce seeks path to recovery

The state government has established a taskforce of industry representative to help identify impacts and coordinate government intervention and support for affected businesses.

Trade and Investment Minister David Ridgway said the Export Recovery Taskforce would help find possible policy and program responses to the economic effects of the coronavirus.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation for exporters, and we are working to minimise disruption to these critical industries," he said.

"SA has an immense task ahead of us, and the impacts of COVID-19 are being felt across all export sectors.

"We recognise the enormous economic and logistical issues challenging our industries, businesses and individuals right now as a result of the necessary restrictions on travel."

Mr Ridgway said the taskforce would consist of representatives from key freight entities, such as Brenton Cox of Adelaide Airports and Evan Knapp of the SA Freight Council and will also seek input from air, sea and freight businesses, as well as exporters with a particular focus on fresh food.

Industry representatives include Roger Sexton, Beston Global Foods, Mark Pye, Zerella Fresh, Deb Ferguson, Ferguson Australia, and Darren Thomas, Thomas Foods.

The first meeting of the taskforce was held on Friday via videoconference.

Mr Ridgway said the meeting focused on the logistical supply chain.

"Our focus right now is minimising the impact being felt by exporters with the cessation of international air freight," he said.

"The Taskforce has the ability to expand its membership to include additional contributors around specific issues and release other contributors as the focus of work changes.

"We need to be flexible and adaptable during these unprecedented times."

The taskforce will also seek input from and be supported by a working group, made up of representatives of the Department for Trade and Investment, PIRSA, DIS and Austrade.

"It is critical during this time that we advocate and connect with our cross-government and federal colleagues, to prioritise and direct policy responses to the appropriate area of government," Mr Ridgway said.

"The situation is changing daily, with different challenges in different regions.

"That's why we are utilising our government's international trade offices, to get up-to-date information from within these markets to better assist South Australian businesses."

The taskforce will meet weekly via video conference and will be reviewed at the end of May.