If the business development enquiries we have received over the past month is anything to go on, 2018 may be a year of unprecedented economic development in the Central West. Domestic and international interest in investing in the region is increasing, especially in the ag-tech and ag-finance sectors.
According to the Federal Government’s Australian Infrastructure plan, Central West NSW is one of seven “centres of regional growth” Australia-wide expected to contribute over $15 billion to the national economy in 2031.
RDA Central West’s Value Adding to Agriculture report published last year identified growth opportunities in the region including ag-tech and bio-tech. As the report focussed on local case studies and success stories, it has been used widely as an investment prospectus for people and organisations interested in investing in agriculture in Central West NSW.
This week, the NSW Government also launched its new Invest Regional NSW website, a great resource for promoting and attracting investments into the regions. Another great tool which provides a further breakdown of stats and facts pertaining to each LGA in our region, is our own RDA Invest NSW Central West website.
Our current e-commerce in China project is investing in building skills and knowledge to help our existing businesses tap into the massive market opportunities available to them in China. This project has been a fantastic collaboration between RDA central West and the NSW Department of Primary Industries International Engagement Unit, and it will culminate in a FREE, not-to-be-missed Business Masterclass in Orange on Wednesday 28 March.
If you have any interest in learning more about the exciting world of e-commerce, the Masterclass will cover subjects including e-commerce platforms, understanding Chinese social media, Chinese market influencers and “Daigous” and branding and marketing your product for the Chinese consumer.
There is an impressive line up of some of Australia’s top speakers on the subject, including Allan Qui, Managing Director of Chinese digital marketing provider Stone Drums Group, and Livia Wang, Managing Director of one of Australia’s premier Chinese marketing agencies. Representatives from Austrade will also speak about what support services the government can provide.
The masterclass will also feature three Central West NSW business case studies; MSM Milling’s Auzure Canola Oil, Superbee Honey, and Mortimers Wines. Representatives from these businesses will share their own stories, successes, failures and key lessons learned, about tapping in to the cross-border e-commerce market in China.
I doubt you will have an opportunity like this again, free of charge, with the calibre of guest speakers and information, in our region. Please register here for the Masterclass!