Tasmania is in demand and my Government will capitalise on this by developing our state’s first whole-of-Government trade strategy.
The Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2018-2025 will provide the certainty and strategic direction we promised business and industry to take Tasmania’s international export activity to the next level.
This will build on the existing work of Government, industry and exporters, which resulted in a record 36 per cent increase in the value of exports, up to $3.52 billion, in the year-to-March 2018 - the highest year-average level of exports since mid-2009.
To develop the strategy, I will be engaging with industry and exporters at a series of round-tables in Launceston, Hobart and the North-West, with the first to be held today in the state’s North.
This will provide an important opportunity to hear first-hand about issues that limit the capacity for industry to grow exports and the role Government can play in maximising export opportunities.
Our trade strategy will also identify priority international markets where we can support our exporters, and outline a coordinated range of support to meet the needs of new and emerging exporters.
While supporting trade and investment in Tasmania, the strategy will also have the flexibility to respond quickly to changing market conditions and any emerging local or global issues.
Over coming months, we will also be undertaking one on one consultation and targeted industry-wide research with stakeholders across key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, international education, the Antarctic industry, agribusiness and mining.
The Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2018-2025 will be released by the end of the year signalling to the world that Tasmania is ready to take the next step in growing our international trade.
Businesses or organisations wishing to be part of the consultation can register by contacting trade@stategrowth.tas.gov.au