Changes will be made to Western Australia's international operations to strengthen the State's overseas network and boost exports and inward investment, as part of the State's focus on diversifying our economy.
Premier Mark McGowan announced today that WA's network of international offices will now be grouped into five regional hubs - Europe, India-Gulf, North East Asia, China and ASEAN.
The State's Agent General based in London will continue to lead the State Government's trade and investment activities in the United Kingdom and Europe.
The remaining four hubs will be led by an Investment and Trade Commissioner managing staff in multiple offices across a region.
Commissioners will lead WA's trade and investment activities in their region, taking a strategic approach to the markets and opportunities of greatest value to the State.
The regional hub model will be implemented over coming months, with details and timings of the changes informed by factors including COVID-19 conditions in local markets.
The changes are aligned with the recommendations of the review and audit of the State's international offices released last November.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The new regional hub model for State trade offices will enable Western Australia to maximise the benefits our important international offices provide to Western Australians.
"This is a much more flexible model that enables the State Government to be responsive to emerging market and industry priorities in the months ahead, and in a post COVID-19 world.
"Importantly, no WA trade offices will close - staff will remain in each country to maintain relationships and co-ordinate activities and organise strategic meetings for commissioners and other representatives of the State Government."
