The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to building the state’s education and trade links across Asia with the latest delegation to East Asia opening new doors for our economy and future job prospects for Tasmanians.
The mission involves business representatives from across our state meeting face-to-face with their counterparts in Korea to promote our products.
There has never been a more opportune time for Tasmania to trade with Korea following the recent signing of the Korea Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA).
KAFTA removes tariffs of up to 300 per cent on agricultural exports – such as our key exports beef, wine, horticulture, dairy and seafood – and presents new possibilities for Tasmanian businesses.
Last financial year food and beverage exports from Tasmania to Korea were at record levels of more than $26.5 million dollars, and this figure is expected to rise as a result of promotional activities and the FTA.
Last night, together with the Australian Ambassador to Korea, James Choi, I was delighted to host the Savour Tasmania Dinner for around 50 key guests representing businesses in Korea and Tasmania, including key influencers in the food and beverage sector such as hoteliers, retailers and distributers.
This event provided an incredible opportunity to put Tasmanian produce on show, including products from key businesses including McHenry Distillery, Moorilla Estate and Hill Farm Preserves.
Further, the dinner included an education MoU signing between Tasmania and Jeju Special Self Governing Province of Korea.
Not only will the MoU further promote Tasmania as a study destination, it will enable the Jeju Department of Education to send up to eight of their senior teachers to Tasmania to learn about our education system, curriculum and teaching methods.
Promoting the success of our system to overseas countries is an exciting new education trade market for Tasmania of which we can be very proud.
The Tasmanian Government looks forward to further strengthening our trade, education, business and cultural ties with Korea, and this trade mission is sure to prove a great catalyst for further engagement across these sectors.
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