International business is booming
The South West is seeing a sharp rise in its place in the world.
In the past six months the region has sent two delegations to China to strengthen existing and open new business ties.
It has received visits from trade officials from China, India and the Netherlands.
High level international business people have visited the region with the purpose of seeking out investment opportunities.
In the next few months a number of local people will travel to places such as Fiji, Singapore and the US to promote everything from Noongar culture to premium food and wine.
South West Development Commission Chief Executive Officer Don Punch, who was part of a business delegation to China in October last year, said the region was making rapid inroads into the international market.
“We already have a range of products exported internationally. We are the world’s biggest exporter of alumina and we have significant exports of other natural resources,” he said.
“But we have a fast growing market in a range of other goods, such as premium food and wine.
“China’s economy is set to continue to grow and we can expect long term business in that area. There are a range of opportunities yet to be tapped into and we are planning to set up a Bunbury-Jiaxing Business Development Centre here to foster those opportunities.”