The close bilateral relationship California and the San Jose region share with Australia was showcased last week in a virtual investment program organized by the Australia Consulate General in San Francisco and the government of New South Wales, which includes Sydney, Australia’s largest city.

The City of San Jose and the City/County of San Francisco participated in the May 4 program which featured 15 young New South Wales companies that are interested in expanding their business to the U.S.  The Bay Area was among the five U.S. regions featured as a potential landing pad for the Aussie companies in the series of investment programs sponsored by the Australian government.  Reflecting Australia’s strength in innovation and entrepreneurship, the companies included young technology firms in education, finance, health care, transportation, robotics, e-governance, and artificial intelligence.

Trade and investment ties with Australia continue to deepen.  Australia is California’s 14^th largest worldwide export market, with 2020 exports surpassing $3.2 billion.  San Jose has traditionally been among the leading U.S. metro areas for exports to Australia.  The Australian market is critically important to the U.S., with numerous California and San Jose area businesses having a presence in in the vast nation.  The U.S. is Australia’s leading investment destination, accounting for 28 percent of the nation’s global investment, according to a 2020 report by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute.

The City of San Jose welcomes businesses from Australia and across the globe.  Accessing talent, the opportunity to attract investment and establish partnerships with universities and businesses, a diverse and welcoming community, as well as City programs for business are among the assets San Jose can offer global companies seeking to grow their business in California and the U.S. Fr more information, contact Joe Hedges, International Programs Manager, OED.