SA EXPORTS to Europe could grow with the establishment of a specific SA trade and investment office, based in Paris.
The establishment of a trade and investment office on mainland Europe was announced as part of the SA Government's budget and forms part of an election commitment to grow SA's overseas trade representation across the globe.
A $1.8 million investment across four years will deliver a European-focused trade and investment office to support South Australia's international trade and investment outcomes post Brexit, and as we emerge from the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Trade and Investment Minister Stephen Patterson said an expanded overseas trade and investment office network was critical to growing SA's exports and ensuring the state's ongoing economic and jobs growth.
"In a post Brexit trade landscape, it's crucial that SA has a continued presence in the United Kingdom through the office of the Agent-General as well as a strong presence in the European Union through the new Paris office," he said.
"This will grow our capacity to reach emerging markets in Europe by focusing on two-way trade and investment, and by driving services exports in key sectors for SA like hi-tech, creative industries, renewable energy, and space and defence."
Europe is a key market region for SA, with the EU routinely in the top five export destinations for SA goods and services - with the value of SA exports to the EU exceeding $700 million in the year to April 2021.
"SA's relationship with France has been strengthened through the nation's Future Submarine Program to be delivered in partnership with Naval Group, and we want to deliver further trade and investment opportunities through this strong bilateral relationship," Mr Patterson said.
"We are also anticipating further trade opportunities for our exporters through an expected Free Trade Agreement with the EU and the in-principle agreement struck with the UK, with a focus on SA's premium food and wine and agricultural products.
"This dovetails nicely with our $5.4 million wine export recovery and expansion program, which is supporting the SA wine sector while helping to sustain and create jobs, by expanding business-to-business opportunities, brand promotion, wine education, and international trade visits, when international travel opens back up.
"Our Budget for a stronger SA is creating jobs, building what matters and delivering better services to further secure our state's growing global reputation as one of the safest and most attractive places in the world to live, work and raise a family.
"By establishing this new trade and investment office in Paris we're continuing to grow SA's trade representation, which is backing our exporters to grow their businesses, create more jobs and grow the South Australian economy."
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