Premier Dominic Perrottet will lead a trade mission to Japan, India and Korea, with a packed agenda that firms up new agreements, reboots our visitor economy and international education sectors, and drives investment in priority growth sectors like clean energy production, where NSW aspires to be a global leader.
The trade mission takes advantage of NSW's economic resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic to give the state a head-start in attracting new investment as international markets reopen.
"The pandemic has slowed global trade relations, but NSW is open for business and we have pressing trade and investment opportunities with key regional partners," Mr Perrottet said.
"This trade mission will reaffirm critical international relationships and progress important agreements, to give our state a critical advantage in attracting investment in future growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing and green hydrogen production.
"These are the economic opportunities that will create high quality jobs for current and future generations, but only if we seize the moment and secure international investment right now as global trade starts to fire up again."
The mission will take place from July 21-29, taking in Japan (Tokyo and Hiroshima), South Korea (Seoul) and India (Mumbai and Bengaluru). This will be the first overseas visit for Mr Perrottet in his capacity as the state's leader, and the first overseas visit for a NSW Premier since the pandemic forced international border closures.
Mr Perrottet will be joined by Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport, and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres for the Indian leg of the visit.
Mr Ayres will lead a new annual trade delegation of government officials and industry representatives to bring NSW businesses to India to promote NSW exports and grow business partnerships.
"NSW has a strong economic and cultural relationship with India. We are home to the largest Indian population in Australia, India is our third-largest source of international students and is our fastest growing tourism market with Indian visitors spending an estimated $444 million in 2019," Mr Ayres said.
"With the signing of an historic new trade agreement earlier this year, a new direct airline service between Sydney and Southern India, the return of international students and increased investment, NSW is poised to make the most of the immense opportunities between our two nations."
