Delegation to woo the red, white and blue

FINE food and space exploration will be on the agenda for a Tasmanian trade delegation to the United States later this month.

Trade Minister Jeremy Rockliff will lead the two-week trip in a bid to grow the state’s export markets in the US.

The itinerary includes the LA Chef Conference in Santa Monica, where a premium food and beverage event called Tasmania on Show will promote the state’s best produce.

The trip will also take in a G’Day USA space and defence industry event in Colorado Springs.

Announcing the trip during his State of the State address, Premier Peter Gutwein said the US was Tasmania’s fifth strongest trading partner and accounted for 16 per cent of the state’s international visitors.

“With China and other Asian markets heavily impacted by the coronavirus, we want to assist our exporters grow their share of markets and open up new opportunities,” Mr Gutwein said.

Mr Rockliff said the trip would feature targeted meetings with US investors to highlight opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture and tourism.

“Tasmanian businesses will be front and centre at an upcoming trade mission to the US, which will strengthen our ties with the world’s biggest economy … and boost export opportunities for Tasmania,” Mr Rockliff said.

Mr Gutwein also announced a $3 million Recovery Response Plan for Tourism Tasmania, to encourage interstate visitors and Tasmanians to holiday in the state, and to help the sector recover from the impact of the coronavirus and bushfires; $375,000 in funding for the Unconformity Festival on the West Coast; and a $125,000 contribution to the International Whisky Awards in August.