A trade mission led by the NSW Nationals in the state government is showcasing the Hunter to ambassadors from 14 countries and the European Union.
The mission, which is the fifth in three years, is part of a targeted investment strategy aimed at making regional NSW the preferred choice of global investors.
Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro said it was great to show off the region’s opportunities on the global stage.
“Showcasing the Hunter region’s investment opportunities to key global decision makers will help forge new relationships for local businesses, inject money into the local economy, create new jobs and drive growth,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Global companies have shown renewed interest in regional NSW off the back of our strong response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re already hearing from companies looking to expand operations locally and invest in our technology.”
The delegates – from countries including Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands – are spending two days looking at everything from the cutting-edge work being undertaken on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to a world-first integrated hybrid hydrogen battery at Ampcontrol and the world-class mining, manufacturing, and viticulture industries of the Hunter.
The visit coincides with the NSW Nationals in the state government and the NSW Wine Industry Association signing a memorandum of understanding to deliver increased support for wine producers.
The NSW wine industry makes a $1.6 billion annual contribution to the NSW, employs 53,000 people, and is a major driver of the tourism industry.
“Our wine is some of the finest in the world and the agreement we have signed will see the NSW Nationals in the state government and the industry work together to identify initiatives that will help our product achieve even greater success both here in Australia and overseas,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The opportunities from this MOU will help create new jobs in regional areas and increase productivity and profitability, which will boost the sustainable growth of the industry.”
