NSW businesses exporting to the United States and China are set to benefit with the appointment of two global Senior Trade and Investment Commissioners.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres today announced former Deputy Premier and Trade and Industry Minister John Barilaro has been appointed to the role of Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to the Americas. Helen Sawczak has also been appointed to the role of Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to Greater China.
The appointments are the last of six Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner appointments for the state following a highly competitive and rigorous global talent search managed by specialised recruitment firm NGS Global.
“Mr Barilaro and Ms Sawczak will be important assets for NSW businesses, helping them find new international markets and customers and driving investment into the state,” Mr Ayres said.
“John Barilaro’s specialised experience, first as a NSW business owner and then as Trade & Industry Minister overseeing the NSW Trade Statement and the blueprint for expanding international trade and investment opportunities, make him well qualified for this posting.
“NSW is a magnet for US foreign investment. The USA is the largest source of foreign investment into Australia, valued at more than $196 billion in 2020. This investment creates new jobs, supports innovation, and lifts prosperity for the people of NSW, including in regional communities,” Mr Ayres said.
John Barilaro said; “I’m looking forward to supporting NSW companies to export and expand to the United States, including the many fintech, cyber security, space, health and food and beverage companies we are already helping to succeed in the US through the Going Global Export Program.”
Mr Ayres said Helen Sawczak would make a valuable contribution to the NSW-China trade relationship.
“Helen Sawczak’s work as the former National CEO of the Australia China Business Council and time spent in senior legal and commercial roles for some of Australia’s leading companies both here and abroad will serve the state tremendously well.
“China is one of NSW’s biggest export markets, including NSW’s largest processed and value-added goods export market. It is our largest source of international students, a valuable tourism market, a major source of foreign direct investment and our largest agricultural goods market,” Mr Ayres said.
Ms Sawczak said: “Through Investment NSW, we already have an established presence in Shanghai and Guangzhou and one of my top priorities will be helping NSW companies connect to the world’s largest consumer market and supporting the return of international students.”
Both appointed Commissioners will relocate in the coming months.
The appointments are a key initiative of the NSW Trade Statement which can be downloaded https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/
