In the face of a difficult global economic climate, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will continue to support jobs and drive sustainable economic growth, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner said today.

“Over the last financial year the NSW Government focused on improving the performance of the NSW economy, attracting over 15,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in investment,” Mr Stoner said.

“We will continue to build on this support for jobs and industries in NSW by investing $120 million in the State Investment Attraction Scheme and the Regional Industries Investment Fund.

“This funding will improve the State’s economic performance and drive future economic growth in regional areas, through projects in key industries like financial services, manufacturing, defence procurement, film and digital industries, construction, and agriculture.

“Reflecting the importance of innovation and research and development to NSW, $13 million has been put aside for the Research Attraction and Acceleration program.

“The NSW Government will support National ICT Australia (NICTA), which undertakes breakthrough, internationally recognised research that improves productivity in NSW.

“$2.6 million has also been set aside to maintain NSW business offices in China (Shanghai and Guangzhou), India (Mumbai) and United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi), and establish a new business office in San Francisco as part of the NSW Government's efforts to match NSW strengths to opportunities in the United States.

“As we build for the future, mining-affected communities will receive a funding boost with $9.9 million from Restart NSW allocated to Resources for the Regions, which was established for the first time in the State’s history by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.

“We will continue to fund the role of the inaugural Cross Border Commissioner, who was appointed by the NSW Government to provide advocacy for businesses, organisations, and residents in border communities.

“The NSW Government will continue to support our State’s talented film industry, having secured production of the LEGO film and The Wolverine. These films are providing employment for over 2,000 cast, crew and extras, and spending around $130 million in NSW.”