newy.com.au – Newcastle Airport will lead a 20-member Hunter delegation to Singapore on Sunday, seeking investment and export opportunities while pushing for better international air connections for the region.
The visit, from 27 September to 2 October, will bring business, government, tourism and university representatives together for meetings with Singaporean companies and investors. Business Hunter says partnerships and joint ventures are among the main opportunities local businesses want to pursue.
Airport chief executive Linc Horton said consultations ahead of the trip had found interest in deeper trade and investment relationships with Singapore and other Asian markets, alongside improved international flights from Newcastle.
“More direct connectivity is, of course, a key priority as travelling through Sydney or another Australian gateway adds time, cost and complexity to doing business internationally,” Mr Horton said.
The Melt co-owner and chief operations officer Brett Thomas said direct flights between Newcastle and Singapore would help local businesses reach Asian markets and international investors, while speeding up supply chains. He said the trade mission could also help draw investment into local manufacturing and support job creation.
Business Hunter chief executive Bob Hawes said research into trade documents had identified Hunter businesses already trading with Singapore, or supporting that trade, across food and beverage, wine, logistics, environmental technology and biotechnology. Businesses consulted before the visit had also expressed interest in attracting investment and increasing exports of goods and services.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley cited the region’s economic output of more than $95 billion and its range of industries as selling points for Singaporean investors.
The delegation includes Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris and Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson, as well as representatives from the Committee for the Hunter, Dantia and the University of Newcastle.
Cr Morris said the joint approach reflected feedback from Singapore about how the Hunter should present its investment and business opportunities.
“Singaporean leaders have told us they want to deal with the Hunter as a region, with one strong, coordinated voice,” he said.
Cr Anderson said Port Stephens would use the visit to promote eco-tourism opportunities and pursue interest in tourism growth, property development and long-term infrastructure investment. She said the aim extended beyond attracting visitors to securing capital and commercial opportunities for local businesses.
