The mission commenced on 29 February and ended on 11 March. During this time, Stephen Dawson, Minister for Emergency Services; Innovation and the Digital Economy; Science; Medical Research; Minister assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade, and Simone Spencer, Deputy Director General Strategy International Engagement from JTSI, visited New York, Providence, Houston and Austin on an investment and trade mission to activate key priority sectors for Western Australia in the United States.

Kicking off in New York, the first stretch included a visit to Newlab which supports startups to accelerate the development of climate tech solutions and a briefing at the United Nations with their Head of Secretariat to discuss the State’s alignment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Fund.

The focus of the Providence program was health and medical life sciences, with the Minister participating in a roundtable with Rhode Island stakeholders and investors to discuss collaboration opportunities. 

This visit also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the New England Medical Innovation Center and Perth Biodesign. The agreement aims to establish a cooperative relationship to support and promote each other within their respective life sciences ecosystems.   

The GreenTech Showcase in Houston allowed Western Australian delegates to promote themselves and their products to US energy stakeholders. At a Heavy Industry Decarbonisation event, the Hon Minister Dawson MLC outlined Western Australia’s energy initiatives and participated in a panel discussion with Texas industry representatives.  

The Minister also met with senior officials from the Texas Medical Center and Woodside to discuss opportunities for our health and medical life sciences and energy sectors.

Minister Dawson officially opened the new Invest and Trade Western Australia office in Austin, Texas. The Americas Hub is the sixth in the Invest and Trade WA Global Network. Austin was selected as the location for the office as it presents significant investment and trade opportunities for Western Australia across a range of industry areas, including:

• advanced manufacturing
• renewable energy
• health and medical life sciences
• space industries
• creative and digital media technology
  

At the South by South West First Nations Entrepreneurship: Bridging Heritage and Tech panel event, Indigenous Western Australian business leaders provided invaluable insights into how they combine creativity, technology and traditional knowledge to build their businesses. 

As part of the Western Australia Showcase event, we showcased exemplary Western Australian artists and performers to conference delegates, dignitaries and VIPs.

The mission was successful in strengthening WA’s brand and reputation by showcasing the State as an incredible place to invest and do business. 

Published on: 09 April 2024