Tasmanian businesses will benefit from the success of a five-day government trade and investment mission to the United States, our fourth-largest export destination, with visits to Washington State and Texas.
Premier and Minister for Trade and Major Investment, Jeremy Rockliff, led the trade mission, which has secured groundbreaking agreements in the US market while also progressing several strategic initiatives that will ensure future economic prosperity in Tasmania.
"The mission secured important outcomes for Tasmanian businesses and enhanced Tasmania's future economic development and employment opportunities," Premier Rockliff said.
"Pivot Maritime, based in Legana, has just been awarded the US Navy's Military Sealift Command contract for portable simulators worth an initial USD$1.75 million. This is a great Tasmanian innovation through Dr Jeff Hawkins and will be the cornerstone contract that unlocks further growth in our Tasmanian Maritime Industry.
"A Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Washington State and the Tasmanian Government was signed, strengthening our ties with US maritime and renewable energy industries.
"Tasmania has real similarities with Washington State, both benefiting from strong traditional industries such as forestry, aquaculture and viticulture and this agreement is focused on accelerating mutual trade, investment, skills and industry outcomes.
"I was pleased to be able to mark the occasion by gifting Governor Jay Inslee his first pair of Blundstone Boots, direct from Blundstone's first flagship store on the West Coast of the USA which opened last week.
"This iconic Tasmanian company is now seen on the feet of thousands of Americans, showcasing the terrific craftsmanship and quality of Tasmanian shoemakers.
"The trade mission also unlocked opportunities for future industry development, and I look forward to bringing modern technologies, such as industrial 3D printing, to Tasmania which will dramatically lower the cost of building houses.
"I met with ICON, the company responsible for the largest 3D-printed community in the world. With their ability to deliver fully permitted homes in just a few weeks, this is the type of innovation Tasmania needs to harness as we work to delivering our goal of 10,000 more social and affordable homes.
"I've tasked the Department of State Growth to work with industry and training providers to further this innovation in Tasmania."
Further highlights of the Trade and Investment Mission include:
The annual value of Tasmanian exports to the US market for the year ending July 2024 was $388 million.
As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we will continue to work with key market sectors to support Tasmanian businesses to tap into new opportunities, diversify and become more resilient in the face of global economic headwinds.
