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Trade and investment

Whether it is waves and wine in Margaret River or timber and truffles in Manjimup, the South West region has much to offer the world.

To make the most of these trade and investment opportunities, the South West Development Commission has a dedicated TradeStart officer and plays a key role in the Bunbury-Jiaxing Business Office.

TradeStart program

Through its TradeStart program, the South West Development Commission offers help to small and medium-sized enterprises wishing to expand or to commence exporting.

As well as providing advice and linking businesses with global market opportunities, the Commission promotes businesses and products at regular international events, and organises and hosts delegations of visiting investors.

To contact the TradeStart office at the South West Development Commission phone Simon Taylor on 0427 086 857 or email tradestart@swdc.wa.gov.au .

About the South West

Fast-growing population

  • Over the past five years the South West's average annual growth rate was 1.0 per cent.

Regional economic powerhouse

  • The South West has the largest economy in regional Western Australia.
  • Gross regional product was $13.5 billion during 2017-18.
  • The region derives most of its wealth from healthy mining, construction and manufacturing sectors.

Location

  • Situated in the picturesque south-west corner of Australia.
  • The region has a good transport networks, including the dual carriageway from Perth to Bunbury, passenger rail and coach services.
  • The port city of Bunbury, about 1.5 hours drive from Perth, is the South West's commercial hub.
  • Smaller townships can be founds throughout the region's 12 local government areas.

Investment opportunities

There is international demand for investment opportunities within the South West region.

Agriculture, clean energy, wine, tourism (including hotel and resort accommodation) and education are all areas in the South West that feature investment opportunities.

Other industries in the South West open to support from overseas investors are creative, entertainment and service sectors, IT and innovative technology, resources and minerals, and health and wellbeing.

 

Marron from the South West of Western Australia.

Marron grown in the South West of Western Australia is distributed interstate and overseas. SWDC uses its worldwide connections to promote South West product and businesses.

Events, such as the wine promotion held on Dennis Conner's yacht in San Diego Bay, help introduce products from the South West to potential international buyers and investors

Events, such as the wine promotion held on Dennis Conner's yacht in San Diego Bay, help introduce products from the South West to potential international buyers and investors.