The Nationals in Government have delivered a “game changing” strategy to increase international investment in agrifood in the form of the $20 million WA Open for Business program, funded by Royalties for Regions.
Nationals Member for the South West Region, Colin Holt MLC, said WA Open for Business was a key election commitment by The Nationals WA to increase investment in agrifood and agribusiness.
“WA open for business will establish a local trade office in WA to promote WA agribusiness, and improve the alignment of various agencies working in the industry, such as the Department of Agriculture and Food, Austrade and private industry,” he said.
“The office will act as a shop-front with advice on investment opportunities and coordination across government agencies, while also helping local agriculture and food businesses to become investment ready and link them with potential investors.”
Mr Holt says the program is vital to growing WA’s agrifood exports, and the WA Open for Business program will eliminate a key barrier-to-entry for international investors.
“WA has a reputation around the world for delivering healthy, safe, high quality food.
WA Open for Business will help us capitalise on our strong reputation by building on our existing markets and expanding into new ones.”
Mr Holt said the lack of a local trade office meant WA was losing out on potential markets, while similar markets, such as New Zealand, were capitalising.
“WA Open for Business will address this missed opportunity and allow us to gain new ground, keeping WA agrifood competitive in the global market.”
Minister for Regional Development, Terry Redman MLA, launched WA Open for Business this week.
“WA Open for Business will be a game changer for the State’s agribusiness sector and will have synergy with the Government’s planned reforms to the Rangelands, the Ord
-East Kimberley Expansion, Water for Food projects and many more projects being developed through the Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture initiative,” Mr Redman said.
The WA Open for Business trade office is expected to be established in the next few months and will be based in Perth. The office will be managed by the Department of Regional Development. WA Open for Business is part of the $300 million Royalties for Regions funded Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture initiative.
For media enquiries please contact Office of Colin Holt MLC on (08) 9724 1181