Western Australia’s overseas trade offices are to be rearranged as a regional hub model in an effort to boost exports and inward investment as part of the State’s focus on diversifying its economy.
Premier, Mark McGowan said WA’s network of international offices will now be grouped into five regional hubs — Europe, India-Gulf, North East Asia, China and ASEAN.
Mr McGowan said the State’s Agent General, based in London, would continue to lead trade and investment activities in the United Kingdom and Europe.
“The remaining four hubs will be led by an Investment and Trade Commissioner managing staff in multiple offices across a region,” Mr McGowan said.
“Commissioners will lead WA’s trade and investment activities in their region, taking a strategic approach to the markets and opportunities of greatest value to the State.”
He said the regional hub model would be implemented over coming months, with details and timings of the changes informed by factors including COVID-19 conditions in local markets.
“The changes are aligned with the recommendations of the review and audit of the State’s international offices released last November,” the Premier said.
“This is a much more flexible model that enables the State Government to be responsive to emerging market and industry priorities in the months ahead, and in a post COVID-19 world.”
He stressed that no trade offices would close.
“Staff will remain in each country to maintain relationships and coordinate activities and organise strategic meetings for Commissioners and other representatives of the State Government,” Mr McGowan said.
