The NSW State Government is shining a global spotlight on the Hunter’s economy, with 17 high-ranking international trade delegates commencing a three-day tour of the region. The mission aims to showcase the Hunter’s leading position in advanced manufacturing and clean economy technologies, attracting international investment and strengthening local industries.
Delegates from countries including Canada, China, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates will visit prominent local businesses and industrial sites to witness the region’s innovative capabilities firsthand.
The tour itinerary highlights several pioneering Hunter-based companies, including:
- The Melt: Australia’s first hardware accelerator and prototyping lab, located in Muswellbrook, which is a key hub for clean technology innovation.
- Kardinia Energy: A local innovator in recyclable solar technology. The company’s silicon-free, printed solar panels were famously used on British rock band Coldplay’s world tour.
- Allegro Energy: A cutting-edge company pioneering micro-emulsion flow batteries and water-based energy storage solutions.
- AGL Hunter Energy Hub and BHP Mt Arthur: Delegates will also visit these sites to learn about regional transition planning and reskilling efforts as the area moves towards a clean energy future.
In addition to advanced manufacturing, delegates will be introduced to the Hunter’s cultural and business diversity, with a visit to the Murrook Cultural Centre and engagement with two leading Aboriginal businesses, Blackrock Industries and Native Botanical Brewery.
The visit is a direct effort to align with the government’s NSW Industry Policy, which prioritises net-zero and local manufacturing, as well as the 10-year NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035. The strategy’s goal is to boost exports by $100 billion and attract $25 billion in investment to the state.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, emphasized the importance of the mission. “The Hunter Region is a hub of opportunity, offering enormous potential across established and emerging industries like advanced manufacturing that can be showcased to global investors,” she said.
“This Trade Mission is an excellent opportunity for us to roll out the welcome mat and let our local industry show off their and investment opportunities.
“Experiencing the Hunter Region firsthand offers a deep appreciation of its economic potential. It’s exciting to see the Consuls-General engaging directly with the region’s innovators and industries, gaining valuable insight that simply can’t be captured from afar.
“This Trade Mission is shining a spotlight on regional NSW, connecting global investors with local innovation to unlock new opportunities, boost job creation, and accelerate economic growth across our communities.”
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, added that the region’s skilled workforce and innovative businesses are creating a sustainable future.
“The Hunter is home to some of the most skilled workers and innovative businesses in the country,” she said.
“Investment in advanced manufacturing and clean energy is creating real opportunities for local families and future proofing our economy.
“The Hunter has always been a region that gets things done. With new investment flowing into clean energy and advanced manufacturing, we’re creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and building a future for generations to come.
“We are leading the way in sustainable industry and now our achievements are on the global stage.”
