The NSW Government has for the first time published a forward agenda for its annual trade missions as part of a broader push to diversify the state’s export markets and reduce reliance on coal exports.
The agenda outlines more than 30 “Going Global” export programs and trade missions over the next 12 months, with support for up to 350 businesses looking to expand into new and emerging markets.
Southeast Asia remains a particular focus, with officials pointing to the region’s fast-growing population and economy. But the latest program also charts pathways into India, the Middle East, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The forward schedule builds on the 10-year NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, launched in May. That strategy set out a plan to shift away from the state’s reliance on coal into high-value industries such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy being exported to more markets.
Two-thirds of the trade programs unveiled Wednesday are directed at manufacturing and the clean energy economy, industries the NSW Government says will shape the state’s future growth and underpin a new industry policy.
Among the earliest missions will be mining equipment, technology and services (METS) to Indonesia and India. The mission is designed to connect NSW suppliers with major mineral producers, equipment providers and solution partners across two of the fastest-growing economies in the Indo-Pacific.
Another delegation will take NSW clean energy companies to Japan and Korea, with the goal of building partnerships on hydrogen and renewable energy technologies as those economies pursue their decarbonisation targets.
Agrifood exporters are set for Greater China, targeting the growing demand for premium produce, while life sciences and health businesses will head to Singapore, tapping into Southeast Asia’s expanding healthcare and precision medicine sectors.
The forward agenda also outlines a series of missions to the Middle East, where NSW businesses will pursue opportunities in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These missions are expected to focus on energy transition, smart infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing partnerships.
In the United States, the program will highlight the state’s clean energy, agrifood, and digital technologies, aligning NSW exporters with American demand for renewable energy solutions and innovative food and health products. The UK mission will concentrate on life sciences, health technologies and research collaboration, leveraging strong institutional ties between NSW and Britain.
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said publishing the mission calendar gave businesses greater certainty to plan for international expansion.
“This is the first time the NSW Government has published a forward agenda for the year’s trade missions, giving businesses more certainty on the support available,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“Exporting is crucial for the productivity and resilience of NSW businesses, and that higher exports lead to higher wages and more employment, driving long-term prosperity right across our state.”
Businesses selected for the missions will receive tailored training, market-entry support and business-matching services, alongside the advice already offered by TradeStart advisers and the state’s global trade offices.
The full forward agenda of trade missions and export programs is available here.
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