Governor Frances Adamson heads to Asia for first overseas trade mission on foreign students and renewable energy

The state government has aimed one of its secret weapons on Asia as Governor Frances Adamson flies out with hopes to boost our education and renewable energy sectors.

South Australian Governor Frances Adamson, on October 6th, 2022, at Government House in Adelaide. Her trip is being seen as an important part of the government’s trade missions. Picture: Tom Huntley

Governor Frances Adamsonis Asia-bound on a trade mission in the hope of boosting the state’s education sector, create business opportunities as well as discussing the soaring transition to renewable energy.

Australia’s former chief diplomat will visit Singapore, the country’s largest trade and investment partner in South-East Asia, and Vietnam.

On her first overseas visit since she was appointed Governor last year, Ms Adamson will use the five day trip to help “strengthen economic and cultural ties” with dozens of meetings or events with top political, business and community leaders.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott arrives in Beijing with the ambassador to China, Frances Adamson. Picture: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

The one-time Foreign Affairs and Trade secretary said boosting education was among her top priorities as was “helping to strengthen SA’s international relationships”.

Other areas for discussion, which the Department of Premier and Cabinet helped organise, will be renewable energy and boosting foreign trade.

She said Vietnam, particularly, was growing in importance and was viewed as a vital market for international students to study in Adelaide, after the sector was badly hit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She will meet with government ministers, community and industry leaders as well as Vietnamese students studying the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) qualification.

Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is seen as an important Australian trading partner. Picture: iStock

“Vietnam has 90 million people, its economy’s growing strongly,” the Governor said.

“There are strong connections with Australia. Broadly, there’s a sort of strengthening partnership between Australia and Vietnam when it comes to meeting some of the geopolitical challenges in the region.

“But from a South Australian perspective, important as an export market with further potential including possibly in wine over a period of time obviously.

“There are a range of interests that can be advanced in Vietnam.”

She said the links between Singapore and South Australia were strong while there was a “very long history of Singaporeans coming to study in Australia and then gain positions” back home.

She will meet with government ministers and industry, including Singapore President Halimah Yacob.

She will also address members of the South Australia Club International Singapore Chapter, and meet with key stakeholders to discuss Australia and Singapore’s transition towards a green and sustainable future.

Singapore is Australia’s biggest South East Asia trading partner. Picture: Getty Images

On the eve of her departure on Friday, Ms Adamson said: “There is quite a significant Singapore investment in South Australia. These have all been carefully chosen with state government input.”