South Australia is to open a trade office in the United States city of Washington DC to expand the State’s presence in the US as it pursues AUKUS and other defence opportunities.
Announced by the Minister for Trade and Investment, Nick Champion as part of a trade mission in the US and funded in last week’s State Budget, the Washington address will be the fourth South Australian trade office in the US with other offices already in Houston, San Francisco, and New York City.
The Government said the United States was South Australia’s second largest export market with the value of exported goods into the country estimated at $1.58 billion in the year ending March 2023.
The US is also the State’s single largest foreign investor.
“The Washington DC office will provide for greater proximity to the US Defence Department and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as South Australia grows its advanced manufacturing capabilities,” the Government said.
“The office is also being established with the potential for investment as South Australia’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan grows – and capitalise on the Biden administration’s, Inflation Reduction Act, as the US works towards decarbonisation.”
Mr Champion said Washington DC was home to the US Government and the beating heart of its political system.
“As we build on South Australia’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and expand our skillsets to deliver on the AUKUS deal, it makes sense to expand our footprint in the US,” Mr Champion said.
“Our connection with this important trade partner will continue to strengthen, and we want to ensure our State is at the fore when lucrative investment opportunities arise,” he said.
The Treasurer, Stephen Mullighan said the State was establishing permanent presences in major economies around the globe to open significant investment opportunities in our State.
“This latest expansion builds on the historic AUKUS agreement, putting South Australia front and centre for future investment and helping to create local jobs,” Mr Mullighan said.
