International Trade Expo and Conference

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:36): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Can the minister update the chamber about the inaugural Business SA International Trade Expo and Conference, which was capped off by the Business SA Export Awards?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (15:36): I thank the honourable member for his ongoing interest in our economy, especially the exports. Indeed, I did attend the inaugural International Trade Expo and Conference (ITEC) on 4 October, organised by Business SA.

The Hon. I.K. Hunter interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Hunter, you know that you can't raise comments regarding where the members are in the chamber.

The Hon. I.K. Hunter: I didn't mention a name.

The PRESIDENT: No, but you inferred it, and I'm taking it as a mention. No bush lawyering here. Minister, go on.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: It was organised by Business SA and it was followed by Business SA's night of nights, the annual Export Awards. The conference is the first time such a comprehensive export expo has been held in South Australia and provided insights into global trade trends. Experts in the field canvassed possibilities and pitfalls of specific markets, whilst smaller breakout sessions focused on a range of vital topics, including e-commerce, distributor selection, market research and negotiation techniques.

Keynote speakers for the day included the Alibaba Group (Australia and New Zealand) managing director, Maggie Zhou; minister-counsellor for economic and commercial affairs from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Mr Rengang Huang; the US Deputy Chief of Mission, Michael Heath; the UK Consul General Chris Holtby; and many more.

The conference was a great success with over 200 delegates from business and industry attending. I am pleased to hear that the conference will be held again in 2020, and I look forward to seeing it grow and becoming a key pillar in supporting South Australian businesses expand their exports across the globe.

That night I had the great pleasure of attending the spectacular Business SA 2018 Export Awards, attended by more than 500 people. The coveted Qatar Airways Exporter of the Year award was awarded to Levett Engineering, a world leading manufacturer and exporter of aerospace components located in Elizabeth South. Levett's products are being used in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, 777 and 737, Gulfstream G6 and the supersonic Joint Strike Fighter. They are a crucial part of our growing defence sector, and one of the only a few companies that supply the industry's major aircraft companies, including Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, and BAE Systems.

Levett Engineering also took out the manufacturing award on the night. The excellence and exporting award went to Seeley International, Australia's largest air conditioning manufacturer, headquartered at Lonsdale. A recent visit to Seeley International was truly an eye-opener. It is a fabulous business that is homegrown in South Australia and continues to go from strength to strength. I may even inform the chamber of some of the wonderful products and opportunities that Seeley International is facing, but that will be on another day.

The other winners on the night included SEAPA Pty Ltd for the Agribusiness award, CMAX Clinical Research for the Business Services award, Australian Fashion Labels for the Creative Industry award, and Fluid Management Technology Pty Ltd for the Digital Technologies award. The E-Commerce award went to Sweat Pty Ltd, the Design for Export—Product Design went to MGM Wireless, the Design for Export— Design Strategy went to Redarc, the Education and Training award went to Flinders University, the Emerging Exporter award went to Beston Global Food Group, the Health and Biotechnology award went to Vaxine Pty Ltd, the Mineral, Energy and Related Services award went to FCT International, and the Regional Exporter award went to Torbreck Vintners. The Small Business Award went to Sterline Racing, and the Wine and Beverage award went to Pacific Vintners.

I would like to congratulate Business SA for organising such an event and such an expansive and intensive expo, as well as the world-class export awards. It was a spectacular evening that celebrated the best of the best across the South Australian export sector. Finally, a huge congratulation to all the winners and all those who were nominated for an award. Your success is South Australia's success, and we look forward to seeing you go from strength to strength.