South Australia has released a long-term trade and investment plan aimed at growing the state’s exports and drawing in more overseas capital, as part of efforts to future-proof the economy against shifting global conditions.
The new strategy, launched by the Malinauskas Government, will run through to 2030 and focuses on lifting South Australia’s share of national exports and foreign investment. It comes at a time when international trade is under pressure from geopolitical tensions, changing consumer demand, and complex supply chain dynamics.
The plan includes concrete targets: lifting exports from 15.4 per cent to 18 per cent of the state’s economic output, increasing the state’s share of national foreign direct investment to five per cent, and broadening both the number and diversity of exporting businesses. It also aims to improve participation and outcomes for First Nations businesses, regional enterprises and women-led companies.
India and Southeast Asia have been flagged as key focus regions, given their population growth and economic expansion. South Australia will concentrate its resources on markets where it has a competitive edge, particularly in sectors such as wine, food and agribusiness, renewable energy, defence, space, tourism, and advanced technologies.
Since 2022, the state’s investment agency, Invest SA, has drawn nearly $3 billion in capital to South Australia. Over the past decade, capital investment has supported the creation of more than 23,000 jobs, while up to 230,000 South Australians are currently employed in export-related roles.
The Strategy includes a series of new initiatives, one of which is the $3.9 million Global Wine Growth Program. Delivered over two years and co-designed with the South Australian Wine Industry Association, the initiative will support exporters navigating ongoing global trade disruptions. Business missions, government-backed advisory services, and international event partnerships will form part of this support package.
Economic Development Minister Joe Szakacs said the Strategy responds to both the risks and potential in today’s global markets, stressing that the state is well-placed to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
He said South Australia’s economy had grown faster than any other state’s in the past year, and the Strategy would ensure that momentum is turned into long-term gains.
More details and the full document are available via the Department of State Development.
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