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South Australian Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith has set his sights on Europe for defence related trade and investment opportunities.
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Minister Hamilton-Smith stated that he is looking to combine some of the whole-of-government activities and resources to create business opportunities in France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland.
“Europe has long been a significant trading partner for government and businesses in South Australia,” Minister Hamilton-Smith said.
“With the recent contract to build the $89 billion Future Naval Shipbuilding Program awarded to French company DCNS, that relationship is further strengthened.
“Closer and targeted engagement with Europe through the strategy will provide structure and support to South Australian businesses expanding, or looking for export and investment opportunities in the region, and other organisations seeking to increase their international research and development collaborations.”
Within the South Australia-Europe Engagement Strategy released at yesterday afternoon’s Defence SA industry engagement session, the Future Naval Shipbuilding Program is just one of the anticipated outcomes.
Also included is attracting foreign direct investment, increasing exports and increasing research and development activity.
“The fact that we won the submarines contract earlier this year was a gamechanger, and while the defence industry is a focus of this strategy to deepen our relationships with Europe, we also see opportunities in defence related industries and other areas including renewable energy, space industries, tourism, the arts, food, wine and agribusiness,” said Minister Hamilton-Smith.
“This is the ideal time to be tapping into the significant benefits that exist in the region, which will deliver jobs, investment and growth for South Australia and is one reason we are helping the state make connections and generate new business leads through our trade mission activity.”
