TradeStart - export help
Mat Lewis, an Austrade TradeStart officer, is one of the best secret weapons in the South West’s efforts to crack the international export market.
Mat works with the South West Development Commission to take local product out to the world in an effort to increase the region’s exports.
It results in a busy schedule for Mat, who spends up to four months of his working year travelling the world and showing off the best the South West has to offer.
“The journey for businesses trying to break into the export market can be difficult,” he said. “As a TradeStart officer I work with the South West Development Commission to help businesses tap into export opportunities by developing strategies that give them exposure to the world market.”
In the last 18 months that strategy has seen Mat organise or attend a range of international events designed to showcase Australian and South West product.
At Indulgence in the City in Singapore earlier this year he presented some the region’s premium wines and foods, resulting in 75 per cent of the businesses featured securing new export opportunities.
Other events in the US have netted similar outcomes, resulting in Mat topping Austrade’s national TradeStart sales for the year.
In recent events Mat notched up 47 export sales - his set target was 23.
He says the South West simply sells itself.
“I would struggle to sell something I don’t believe in,” he said. “People love Australian product and the South West in particular is recognised as premium product.”
For more information on how to tap into export opportunities for your business or product email Mr Lewis mlewis@swdc.wa.gov.au