Export Fundamentals Program

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:06): My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Can the minister please inform the council of the new Export Fundamentals Program?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment) (15:06): I thank the honourable member for his question and in particular his ongoing interest in the state's exports. We all know that exports play a vital role in supporting the South Australian economy. In fact, the goods and service exports are estimated to contribute over 79,000 jobs to our economy, or some 11 per cent of the state's workforce.

Of course, we are experiencing ever-changing global trade dynamics. We have tensions between the US and China, we have Brexit now happening and we have many travel and freight restrictions due to the coronavirus, so it is vital that we prepare our exporters for the many opportunities and, ultimately, in some cases, the challenges that lie ahead. With that in mind, the Marshall Liberal government is investing in the development of the new Export Fundamentals Program. This program will be designed and delivered by local Adelaide firm Hydra Consulting and the Australian Industry Group to educate, train and support 400 South Australian exporters over the next two years.

Following a competitive tender process managed by the department, the two companies have been chosen to form an interactive partnership to carry out this key export training program. Export Fundamentals will have an increased focus on the regions, offering a flexible delivery program and supporting local exporters throughout South Australia with the tools and confidence to explore new international markets. Some of the training topics will include market research and entry strategies, product distribution, export logistics and documentation, managing risk, and marketing, to name just a few.

The program will also connect participants with our network of TradeStart advisers across the state for improved ongoing support, as well as a link into our overseas trade and investment offices for in-market advice and business introductions. With Ai Group's extensive experience facilitating training, coaching and mentoring, and advising businesses across Australia in their global market development journey, they are also well positioned to assist and support local businesses in gaining new skills, knowledge and resources on how to export to key markets.

Likewise, Hydra Consulting specialises in assisting businesses to achieve high growth, leveraging their capabilities in strategy, marketing, product development and export training. Notably, they have designed and delivered innovative and high-quality export training programs for Wine Australia and the Australian Tourism Export Council. I would like to thank Business SA for participating in the tender process and its dedication to South Australian exporters through its delivery of the former export ready program.

I encourage all South Australian businesses looking to export into new markets for the first time to consider the Export Fundamentals Program and register their interest on the DTTI website. This latest program builds upon the Marshall Liberal government's pledge to stand by our exporters and I look forward to sharing all the outcomes of the Export Fundamentals Program with the chamber in due course.