Ministerial Statement

China Trade

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:03): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH: As Minister for Investment and Trade, I am determined to further South Australia's engagement with China, our state's single largest trading partner. In the 12 months to March 2014 South Australian exports to China were $3.12 billion. This represents more than a quarter of our state's exports. Amazingly, the value of exports to China was up more than 44 per cent on previous years, demonstrating the significant capacity for growth in this region.

Due to the forthcoming restructure of the automotive manufacturing sector and the deferral of the Olympic Dam expansion, it is now more important than ever that South Australia supports new industries and open market opportunities, and attracts international investment. As a state we must capitalise on our international partnerships and our proximity to the accelerated economic growth occurring on our doorstep. That is why the government has fully committed to a China engagement strategy by consolidating resources, refocusing our approach, and building strategic relationships. This commitment has been supported by three outbound missions by the Premier in July 2012, April 2013 and April 2014. These trips have been supported by further groundwork from the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy, and the Minister for Trade in DMITRE.

I must pay tribute to the government's China Advisory Council and its chair, Sean Keenihan, DMITRE's China Director Mr Jing Li, and Director of Major Projects and Investment Attraction, Ms Narelle Slivak, for their important work in supporting the government's achievements.

As part of the government's ongoing commitment to the Shandong sister state relationship, the Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation recently led an outbound trade mission, including myself and 65 delegates representing 27 South Australian companies with a consolidated turnover of $50 million. Sectors covered by this mission include wine, seafood, agribusiness, medical devices and bioinnovation, water industry, waste management, mining and film.

Two key events were held during the mission: an investment event in Jinan and trade event in Qingdao. DMITRE and the Shandong Commerce Department cohosted the Jinan investment event. Over 80 Shandong companies attended the event to hear 14 investment proposals from South Australian companies seeking a conservatively estimated $75 million worth of investment. DMITRE and the Qingdao Commerce Bureau cohosted the Qingdao trade and investment event. Over 75 Qingdao companies attended and 19 South Australian companies presented their trade and investment proposals.

DMITRE is proactively improving its process and strategy for outbound missions by pre-qualifying investment and trade-ready companies. Ahead of the most recent mission, companies were required to attend a session with a panel of investment experts who provided feedback and advice to companies on their investment pitches. A pre-departure cultural awareness workshop was organised to prepare delegates when engaging with Chinese businesses. I pay credit to my colleague and friend the member for Port Adelaide and her predecessor the member for Newland for the excellent work they did as ministers.

DMITRE's China team has received early feedback from delegates expressing strong appreciation for the event from AMPCO Films, Australian Bight Seafood, Pendleton Estate winery and Purus Group. DMITRE is continuing to work with each delegate individually to collect comprehensive feedback and improve outcomes.

These are relationships that must continue to be enhanced. I am honoured the Premier has given me the opportunity to serve in cabinet in a portfolio that allows the chance to explore new opportunities, on behalf of South Australian small businesses, for trade between our state and China. I look forward to working with cabinet and the business community on our state's engagement with this important trading partner.