Former Adelaide Lord Mayor and Business SA boss Martin Haese has been appointed the state government’s Special Envoy to Singapore and South-East Asia in a bid to strengthen South Australia’s investment ties with the region.

Haese, who already splits his time between Singapore and Adelaide, has been appointed on a two-year retainer contract with the Department for Trade and Investment.

He has been given a remit to identify “key investors” in Singapore for the state government’s priority sectors, namely hydrogen and renewable energy.

He has also been charged with establishing South Australia’s Carbon Accounting Lab in Singapore. The Lab supports companies with net-zero commitments to track their progress across supply chains with “trusted and accurate carbon data”.

Haese, who left as CEO of Business SA mid-last year to return to the private sector, begins his new envoy role in April.

“I think Singapore is a very good fit,” Haese said.

“We share ostensibly the same legal system – Singapore is very politically stable.

“Singapore is often described as a hub because there’s a lot of business through South-East Asia which comes through Singapore.”

Singapore is currently South Australia’s eighth largest source of foreign investment, according to the state government, with wine the state’s top export to the island nation.

Haese said his first priority is to conduct a “comprehensive audit” of South Australia’s investment history with Singapore and its alignment with the state’s economic plan.

He said clean energy, hydrogen, agriculture, food, wine and beverages, technology, advanced manufacturing and aquaculture were sectors where South Australia can compete “exceptionally well” in South-East Asia.

“I do think there’s upside in terms of the export side for South Australian businesses, which I look forward to exploring,” he said.

“South Australia is very very well progressed when it comes to its renewable energy profile and performance.

“And I think this is one of those significant points of difference for business and investment collaboration with South-East Asia.

“Many of the South-East Asian economies are quite fossil fuels dependent, and South Australia over the last 12 years plus has made a significant transformation in terms of our sources of energy and our distribution of energy.

“And the whole world is moving in this direction, and we’ve got first mover advantage, so it’s only natural, I think, that some of the opportunities which will emerge will be in the energy arena.”

Haese said the role came about “organically” following discussions with Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion over the last few months.

Champion on Sunday departed on a five-day trade mission to Singapore and Japan to spruik the state’s renewable energy credentials to potential hydrogen investors.

“Singapore is the gateway to the Asian market, and accounts for more than $240 million worth of exports,” Champion said in a statement.

“Mr Haese has the right skillset and connections to work with Invest SA and our Singapore office to firmly put South Australia forward as the destination of choice for Singaporean investors.

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“We’re very fortunate to be able to leverage his long-held relationships in the region, his proven business expertise and genuine passion to further expand our State’s clean energy industries, investment and trade relationships.”

Haese, who was Adelaide Lord Mayor from 2014 to 2018, has also been chair of the Premier’s Climate Change Council since late 2018.

After leaving Adelaide City Council, he was appointed CEO of the state’s chamber of commerce in May 2019.

“I look forward to working with the team at Austrade in Singapore and from the Department for Trade and Investment in South Australia to build the plan and deliver economic benefits for South Australia,” Haese said. 

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