More than 40 existing and prospective exporters from the Riverina are set to gather in Wagga Wagga today for an ASEAN Market Update to hear about the exciting opportunities for trade in the fast-growing Southeast Asia markets.
Local businesses, including from the region's food, beverage and agriculture sectors, will come together at Charles Sturt University to hear from trade experts and NSW businesses that have already succeeded in Southeast Asia, and to learn about NSW Government programs supporting business expansion into the region.
The event is the fourth in the 'ASEAN Market Update for NSW Businesses' series, which has seen events held around the state to provide businesses with key market trends, sector-specific opportunities, and expert insights on the practicalities of doing business in the region.
Previous sessions were held in Western Sydney, Wollongong and the Northern Rivers, providing practical assistance to over 100 attendees.
These sessions are important way drive towards the outcomes in the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035.
Southeast Asia is expected to be the world's fourth largest economy by 2040 fuelled by a growing middle class, industrialisation, urbanisation and technological advances. This growth offers significant opportunities for all NSW exporters.
Southeast Asia's markets, considered as a bloc, are already NSW's second largest two-way trading partner, worth a combined A$33.6 billion in the 2023-24 financial year.
Strengthening the NSW-Southeast Asia economic relationship begins with raising awareness of the market opportunities in the region.
The Market Update events are just one component of the NSW Government's support for our businesses to grow and succeed through exports.
For more information on how the NSW Government supports businesses to export, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/export-from-nsw.
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"I am thrilled that this series is heading to the Riverina - the fourth in our ASEAN Market Update series.
"The Riverina is renowned as the food bowl of NSW and Southeast Asia has strong demand for our produce, so it's important for our Government to build strong connections.
"This event offers a unique opportunity to learn important, practical information about the exciting Southeast Asian market, and hear from other businesses that have had success there.
"I applaud all the NSW businesses who will take the time to come and learn about the exciting opportunities for trade with our close and dear neighbours in Southeast Asia.
"We know that higher exports lead to higher wages and more employment opportunities, so I encourage all regional businesses to consider whether exporting to Southeast Asia might be their next step."
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
"It is great to see small businesses take advantage of these exciting market opportunities that the ASEAN market has to offer.
"This is the first step to helping small businesses learn, grow and eventually flourish through their export journeys.
"The participants in Wagga Wagga will join an innovative cohort of local businesses across New South Wales who are looking to expand into Southeast Asia and take advantage of this amazing opportunity."
Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:
"I welcome the NSW Government's move to bring its ASEAN Market Update series to the Riverina - this is a valuable opportunity for our local businesses to hear insights and learn about export opportunities to Southeast Asia.
"Our region has some of the best quality products in the world and a strategic geographic location, putting us in a good position toto capitalise on this growth.
"This is a great opportunity for businesses across the Riverina, whether they're new or experienced exporters, to come along and listen and network with the experts in the room, and get a full understanding of doing business in Southeast Asia."
