The State Government's $2.3 million Global Expansion Program has been launched to support South Australian businesses to grow their export capability into new and existing markets following a challenging year.
Part of the Marshall Government's Growth State plan, the Global Expansion Program will target South Australian businesses with solid local growth who are keen to diversify or boost their presence in existing or new markets.
The Global Expansion Program will be delivered over the next four years and is an extensive capability-building program to provide bespoke services and support matched to the specific needs of businesses.
Minister for Trade and Investment Stephen Patterson said the program will support businesses to expand their market reach and will complement the South Australian Export Accelerator program and the Export Fundamentals Program which are in place for small to medium businesses.
"This program will target companies that are successful within the Australian domestic market and want to grow their business by selling more South Australian premium produce to the world," Minister Patterson said.
"The Marshall Government continues to work closely with exporters and the Morrison Government to support SA businesses reach new markets, evidenced by our bolstered Trade Office presence across the globe over the last two years.
"We want to increase the number of local businesses exporting premium products and services by pursuing high growth through persistent and sustainable exporting strategies.
"The Global Expansion Program aims to not only support the growth of South Australian businesses, but also aims to accelerate growth in the overall export performance of the state."
In Japan, one of SA's key markets, Mr Masahiko Nishikawa, General Manager of Kiwa Co. Ltd, the importing arm of Sakagami Supermarket Group which imports and distributes Coopers Beer, Tucker's Crackers and Wines by Geoff Hardy, said Japanese consumers are keen for more choice and have a high awareness of health, security and safety, making it easy to differentiate in-market.
"There are only a small number of importers or sellers of South Australian products in Japan. South Australia sets a clear standard in cultivation and manufacturing, and because of that, there is a very high level of authenticity and the content is also very good in terms of taste," Mr Masahiko Nishikawa said.
"Considering these factors, the prices are very good."
The Global Expansion Program – which is part of the Marshall Government's Growth State plan – will provide an opportunity for South Australian exporters to enter markets like Japan and have access to rising number of importers or sellers around the world.
Delivered over the next four years, South Australian companies are invited to request a copy of the program guidelines or visit the Department for Trade and Investment website for further information, at dti.sa.gov.au.
