International Trade Offices

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (15:17): My question is for the Minister for Trade and Investment. Can the minister please provide an update to the council on the Marshall Liberal government's international trade offices?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Don't even start. Finished? Minister.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment) (15:17): I thank the honourable member for her question and ongoing interest in our overseas trade representation. As members would remember, the Marshall Liberal government committed to increasing our presence on the world stage, ahead of the last election. We committed $12.8 million to opening a new international trade office network.

I am pleased to announce today that we have opened our newest office in Dubai, which will facilitate trade and investment opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as India. This office follows the opening of our Shanghai, Tokyo and Houston offices, the last of which was opened just as the COVID-19 travel restrictions came into place. Having representatives in-market that can provide South Australian businesses and exporters with on-the-ground information and assist with business connections is increasingly important, as international travel continues to be disrupted.

The MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) and India region offer exciting opportunities for South Australian companies to expand their export networks, with increasing demand for wheat, livestock, lentils, copper and wine. South Australia has strong ties with the MENA and India markets, with Qatar and Emirates flying here regularly up until COVID-19 disrupted the travel industry.

Leading this office will be the new regional director for MENA and India, Mr Sidharth Mehta, known as Sid to the team. Sid has more than 12 years' experience in international trade and investment, most recently working with the South African Consulate General Office. Sid will provide invaluable support between our exporters, potential buyers and distributors and his appointment highlights the South Australian government's commitment to growing opportunities in this region.

With both the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and Expo 2021 in Dubai, having Sid on the ground in the years leading up to these large-scale events will ensure South Australia is well placed to capitalise on all investment opportunities. Foreign direct investment from the MENA region has provided nearly $354 million in capital expenditure in South Australia since 2003, creating some 562 jobs, while in 2019 South Australian exports to the region were valued at some $367 million.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally welcome Sid to the team, and look forward to updating the chamber on the activity of the Dubai office in the months to come.