Will Hodgman,Premier & Minister for Trade
Tasmania's economy is the fastest growing in the nation and our Government's plan is all about maintaining the momentum.
Our world-class capabilities in the defence, maritime and Antarctic sectors is the focus of a five-day trade delegation to the United Kingdom and Europe this week to build trade ties and promote Tasmanian export and investment opportunities.
The Tasmanian Trade Strategy identifies trade missions as an important way to increase access to key markets overseas supporting local businesses to grow and create more jobs.
The delegation includes representatives from the Tasmanian Maritime Network, the Tasmanian Polar Network, the Australian Industry Defence Network, IMAS, the Australian Maritime College and Hydro Tasmania, as well as our Defence Advocate, who will meet with senior government and business leaders in the UK, France, Spain and the Netherlands.
The Australian High Commissioner will also host the delegation along with 18 ex-pat Australian business leaders to explore new business and trade opportunities for our state.
The trade visit will include a meeting and tour of the Navantia shipyards in Spain, which will further build ties and develop opportunities for Tasmanian exports in the civil maritime, advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
We will visit Thales' underwater systems facility in France, an important partner with the Australian Maritime College*.
The delegation will also meet with the French Polar Institute in Brest and participate in the Renewable Energy Roundtable with the High Commission and Australia-UK Chamber of Commerce.
Growing trade is a fundamental driver for long-term economic growth in all regions of Tasmania, which is why our Government is supporting this trade mission.
*www.premier.tas.gov.au/releases/defence_agreement_a_major_win_for_tasmania
