Regional NSW showcased to the world
International delegates have been captivated by the extraordinary manufacturing technology that makes some of the world’s most popular food and beverage products taste great, during a trade mission to showcase regional NSW as a great place to invest and do business.
The delegation of Consular and trade officials from 14 countries including Germany, Korea and Spain today visited Griffith firm Flavourtech, where they were shown flavour extraction technology behind Douwe Egberts instant and Suntory canned coffee.
Delegates also visited Bilbul’s Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod where they learned about the innovative recipe of science and technology that yields the premium, sustainable Murray cod advocated by Michelin starred chef Heston Blumenthal.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro said that the regions are a hub for high-tech design and development, innovative research and product customisation.
“Australian ingenuity is alive and kicking in regional NSW, thanks to world class research and development centres, a skilled workforce, a low-cost operating environment and connectivity to metro and international markets,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Flavourtech and Aquna are both regionally located and established businesses, whose leading edge manufacturing technologies and world-class practices are attracting interest and investment from big brands and businesses around the globe.
“Manufacturing in regional NSW last year contributed a huge $6.4 billion to the local economy and currently employs around 89,600 people, and we only expect that figure to increase given the interest from international investors.”
The trade delegation will travel from Griffith to Wagga Wagga and onto Albury in coming days, hearing more about the regions’ advanced manufacturing sector along the way.
Mr Barilaro said the trade mission is the fourth in 18 months and part of a targeted investment strategy that, along with the NSW Government’s record infrastructure investment, is making regional NSW a top choice for investors.
“To put regional NSW front of mind for these key decision makers is a fantastic opportunity and one we know will keep money flowing through towns and cities, boosting business and creating jobs,” Mr Barilaro said.
“As a direct result of previous missions, we are currently evaluating 11 investment leads with potential value of around $300 million and creating more than 400 jobs for people in regional NSW in a range of sectors including waste, energy and aquaculture.
“These will bring benefits for regional communities, helping to keep local economies ticking over, both during and out of periods of prolonged drought.”