Trade Missions

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (14:13): My question is to the Minister for Investment and Trade. Can the minister update the house on the recent South-East Asia business mission?

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:13): I thank the member for Kaurna for his question because in March 2015 the South Australian government put action behind its South East Asia Engagement Strategy by conducting an outbound trade mission to the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia following on from last year's successful mission to Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Recent results released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reinforced the government's commitment to South-East Asia, with exports growing by 7.1 per cent or $134 million to $2 billion in the 12 months to April 2016.

The government is very keen to promote our exports to South-East Asia. Earlier this month, the mission was effectively conducted to the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. It was the first of two business missions planned for this year. The second will take place in late July led by my friend the minister for primary industries to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Our delegation comprised 63 businesses. It covered education, business, cultural activities, government leaders and small business operators. There were 13 attending in the Philippines, 37 in Indonesia and 38 in Vietnam. It was the largest delegation we have taken to the region, reflecting the interest of delegates to take the opportunities before them. The Governor joined the mission in Indonesia and Vietnam. The Premier, of course, joined the mission in Vietnam. It was also supported by Sir Angus Houston, our special envoy for trade.

The mission has experienced a number of key successes. The first South Australia-Bandung Vocational International Collaboration forum was held in Indonesia. TAFE SA and West Java's LPKI signed a new commitment to expand cooperation in vocational education and training. The Premier and the government announced the StudyAdelaide student ambassador in Vietnam.

New MOUs were signed on a host of fronts. In Da Nang, I was pleased to sign an education MOU between our government and the People's Committee in Da Nang. Three Adelaide-based fashion designers presented outstanding products during the mission. Kon Tum Provincial Government and 4 Ways Fresh signed a joint venture, with the Premier and the Governor witnessing those agreements. The Governor and I announced the winner of the English language student competition in Da Nang.

Wine companies in attendance met with three very influential wine importers, distributors and retailers whilst in Vietnam (Red Apron, The Warehouse and Tan Khoa) and were pleased with the exposure and connections they have made. Horticultural groups met with the Australian Embassy's agricultural counsellor regarding the federal government's negotiations for recognition of Australia's pest-free areas in Vietnam and to determine how to proceed with further horticultural sales and activities.

A key meeting was held with the Plant Protection Research Institute of Vietnam with the objective of better understanding each country's production systems and biosecurity practices and to identify opportunities for the future. This was a very successful mission for small business on a host of fronts. Those opposite—certain of those opposite; I know not all—try to criticise the government for its trade mission program. Of course, they are criticising all of the small businesses who attend.

The SPEAKER: Point of order, member for Morialta?

Mr GARDNER: Standing order 98, sir.

The SPEAKER: Yes. I don't think the minister is responsible for the opposition's position. It was not part of the question.

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH: In addition, we have hosted very effective food and wine interactions during this mission and reinforced the important role that the Department of State Development and other government departments are playing in preparing business programs for businesses to provide essential assistance to help them to create more jobs and enterprise by selling their goods and services overseas, which they are doing in increasing numbers.