WA expands footprint in Asia

The state government has announced it will expand Western Australia's presence in South-East Asia by spending $4.4 million in the upcoming 2024-25 state budget to establish a second investment and trade commissioner role.

WA, which already has an Indonesia-based commissioner in Jakarta, while now also have a role based in Singapore.

Premier Roger Cook said WA's relationships with all of its international trading partners, including Singapore, were important for the state's long-term economic viability. 

The government has traditionally benefited from iron ore royalties, however, a recent decline in the iron price coupled by reduced demand from China could affect this if both trends continue. 

"Our new investment and trade commissioner position will help us to tap into new markets, unlock new business opportunities and support local jobs right across WA," Mr Cook said. 

"Our network of trade offices is going from strength to strength under my government, as part of my commitment to doing what's right for WA and setting up our state for the future."

The new Singapore-based commissioner will oversee and be responsible for the Invest and Trade WA offices in Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia.