Exporters in the Hammond electorate will benefit from four new overseas trade offices in key markets if the State Liberals are elected in March 2018.

The State Liberals have committed $12.8 million in funding over four years to open new trade offices in Japan, Malaysia, Dubai and the United States to improve South Australia’s export performance.

Under a Marshall Liberal Government South Australia will have six trade offices in key international markets complemented by SA trade representatives embedded within Austrade.

With regional South Australia producing more than half of South Australia’s merchandise exports, additional permanent standalone offices will assist exporters in Hammond to create ongoing trade and investment opportunities.

Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick, said much of the State’s economic prosperity is in the regions and opening new overseas trade offices allows the development of a longer-term and deeper level of engagement, and building brand recognition in foreign markets.

“The Hammond Electorate is well known for its agriculture and horticulture exports and this announcement by the State Liberals provides local knowledge and market understanding to ensure relationships with our trading partners grow,” said Mr Pederick.

“The more Hammond can contribute to increasing South Australia’s exports, the more investment we can bring into the region, creating jobs and growing the local economy.”

Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment Tim Whetstone said South Australia must substantially increase what it sells to the world.

“Increasing South Australia’s trade footprint in countries of the highest potential, by opening four new trade offices, offers the prospect of increased jobs and investment into the state,” said Mr Whetstone.

“This announcement is a part of a different approach to trade and investment in South Australia for an export-led transformation of our stagnant economy.

“Regional South Australia will play a key role in unlocking the state’s export potential.”