The NSW Government has announced a renewed suite of export support programs aimed at helping New South Wales businesses expand into international markets, with initiatives designed to strengthen export capability, connect companies with overseas buyers and support growth across a range of industries.
According to the NSW Government, the programs form part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to improve the state’s international trade performance by assisting businesses at different stages of their export journey, from preparing first-time exporters to supporting established companies seeking new global opportunities.
The refreshed Export Capability Building Program (ECBP) will deliver 13 workshops during 2026-27 to help businesses assess export readiness, develop market entry strategies and build practical exporting skills.Â
A new Communities of Practice for Exporters initiative will also bring together experienced exporters and businesses looking to expand internationally through industry-focused networks covering agrifood, digital technology, and life sciences and healthcare.
In addition, more than 30 Going Global Export Programs (GGEP) and Going Global Trade Missions (GGTM) are planned for 2026-27.Â
Delivered by Investment NSW in partnership with the Australian Government through Austrade’s Accessing New Markets Initiative, the programs will provide opportunities for businesses to attend international trade shows, meet potential buyers and pursue commercial opportunities across Southeast Asia, North Asia, China, India, North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East.
The NSW Government said the initiatives target sectors including agrifood, digital technology, life sciences and healthcare, clean energy, manufacturing, and mining equipment, technology and services (METS), while supporting the objectives of the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy and NSW Industry Policy.
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said the programs are intended to help businesses expand internationally amid changing global trade conditions.
“Strong exports create local jobs, drive investment in NSW and strengthen our economy, which is why we’re investing in practical support to help businesses expand into new international markets,” Chanthivong said.
“In a rapidly changing global trading environment, diversifying export markets has never been more important. These programs will give NSW businesses the confidence, skills and connections they need to seize new opportunities and grow.”
The government highlighted several businesses that have previously participated in its export support initiatives, including Tamworth-based manufacturer Apollo Engineering, which attended an ECBP workshop in 2023 before joining a Going Global Export Program that connected the company with distributors in Indonesia.Â
According to the NSW Government, the business subsequently secured new distribution agreements that generated export sales.
Apollo Engineering Managing Director Dave Errington said the program had helped the company expand overseas.
“Exporting has opened up entirely new growth opportunities for our business and allowed us to take Australian-made manufacturing to global markets,” Errington said.
“The support we received helped us build the right connections on the ground in Indonesia and navigate the complexity of entering a new market.”
Other businesses cited by the NSW Government include life sciences company Biointelect, clean energy technology company PowerStack and health and wellness business Renovatio, which the government said had expanded into overseas markets with support from Investment NSW.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said businesses seeking international growth benefit from access to industry connections and market insights.
“The NSW Export Support Program 2026-27 will help more businesses take advantage of global opportunities and strengthen New South Wales’ position as Australia’s leading trading state,” Nicolaou said.
