NSW is Australia’s economic centre
Sydney, Australia’s largest city and financial capital, ranks 24th globally for hosting the headquarters of the world’s 2,000 largest public companies. This provides a significant advantage in attracting businesses ranging from startups to large enterprises.
Sydney is the commercial capital of Australia, that's why many international companies choose to base their Australian offices in NSW due to its robust economy, strong talent pool and international transport links to markets across Asia Pacific.
Regional NSW also possesses distinct strengths, with abundant natural resources, including critical minerals, agricultural land and a large, skilled workforce. Its well-developed infrastructure and connectivity – spanning air, rail, road and sea – connects NSW to the world.
Learn more about our focus sectors.
Fast facts
NSW is Australia’s largest state by population and economy, with 8.3 million residents and a gross state product (GSP) of $821 billion.
NSW is home to the most diverse population in Australia, with more than 280 languages spoken and 2.3 million residents born overseas.
NSW is Australia’s innovation engine, with NSW startups attracting the highest share (65%) of capital invested in Australia in 2024.
New investors to NSW
Investment NSW attracts, facilitates and retains strategic investment from foreign and domestic businesses by addressing barriers to market entry. We do this by providing direct professional assistance to set up locally through industry introductions and government connections.
We collaborate with federal counterparts to streamline investment processes, foster a competitive business environment and promote focus sector value propositions to enhance NSW’s appeal as a leading investment destination.
To learn more, please contact the Investment Attraction team at Investment NSW.
Project-ready investments
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Investment Delivery Authority
The Investment Delivery Authority will accelerate approvals for eligible domestic and international projects. This will include providing advice on how best to navigate the planning system while evaluating projects for fast-track assessment and coordinating the necessary infrastructure to deliver them. The new Authority will commence operations in 2025-26 following stakeholder consultation.
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Unsolicited Proposals
The Unsolicited Proposals Program provides a pathway for the non-government sector to deliver innovative commercial proposals, including those which align with NSW Government's strategic priorities such as housing, net zero and energy transition, and local manufacturing.
NSW Trade and Investment Strategy
The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 is a 10-year plan to grow and diversify the state’s exports and attract investment. It sets clear targets to support new and existing industries and drive long-term economic prosperity.
Investment is instrumental in unlocking NSW’s economic potential.
It plays a critical role in funding infrastructure, supporting existing and emerging industries, strengthening supply chains, creating significant employment opportunities and providing long-term stability by deepening industry capabilities, including supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Foreign Direct Investment enables knowledge sharing between multinational firms and local businesses, and the adoption of technologies such as advanced manufacturing and digital solutions. These spillover benefits increase productivity and position the state as a leader in high-growth potential industries.
Having a state with a reputation for nurturing thriving local industries enhances investor confidence and positions the market more broadly with NSW as a preferred destination for investment.
Information for investors
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Why invest in NSW
Learn why NSW is one of the best places to invest, do business and grow. Explore our strengths, global connections and infrastructure.
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About Investment NSW
Find out who we are, what kinds of businesses we support, and how we can help you set up and grow in NSW.
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NSW International Network
Get in touch with Investment NSW in your region. We’ll help you explore NSW and connect you with support on the ground.
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Innovation
NSW is the heart of Australia’s innovation and investment landscape. Our state attracts and fosters the highest concentration of innovation and capital investment.
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Visas and migration
NSW nominates skilled professionals in occupations to drive economic growth in our state.
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Invest Regional NSW
With a state economy set to tip the $1 trillion mark by 2030, the largest regional workforce in Australia and a rapidly growing Asian market on the doorstep, the vibrant regions servicing Sydney offer unrivalled investment opportunities.