ASEAN Growth: ASEAN Market Update for Northern Rivers Businesses

Asialink is Australia’s leading centre for creative engagement with Asia. We develop insights, capabilities and connections through our programs in the Arts, Business, Diplomacy and Education.Uniquely Australian, Asialink works with diverse communities in Australia and Asia to build a strong, shared future for all.Established in 1990 as a joint initiative of the Australian Government's Commission for the Future and the Myer Foundation, Asialink is hosted by the University of Melbourne.

Asialink

Featuring an address by the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade

Husk Farm Distillery

PLEASE NOTE: Given the severe weather events, the ASEAN Market Update for Northern Rivers Businesses event originally scheduled for Thursday 13 March 2025 in North Tumbulgum has been postponed.On behalf of Asialink Business and Investment NSW, you are invited to join the event ‘ASEAN Growth: ASEAN Market Update for<a href="" title="" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> </a>Northern Rivers Businesses’, featuring an address by the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade.The ASEAN region is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation, and digital adoption. This event will highlight the significant growth opportunities for Northern Rivers businesses in Southeast Asia. With a focus on the food, beverage and medical sectors, this event will offer valuable insights on how NSW businesses can capitalise on these dynamic markets to expand and diversify their exports.The event is part of the ‘ASEAN Market Update for NSW Businesses’ series, providing businesses with key market trends, sector-specific opportunities, and expert insights on the practicalities of doing business in the region. Participants will hear firsthand from businesses who have successfully expanded into the ASEAN region.Moderated by Asialink Business. <h3>Event Details​​​​​​​</h3>Date: Thursday 13 March 2025Time: Registration and lunch from 12.30pm - 1.00pm. Event at 1.00pm – 2.30pmVenue: Husk Farm Distillery, 1152 Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum NSW 2490 Places are limited, register to confirm your attendance by Monday 10 March 2025.If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Asialink Business team at <a href="mailto:asialinkbusiness-events@unimelb.edu.au" title="mailto:asialinkbusiness-events@unimelb.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">asialinkbusiness-events@unimelb.edu.au</a>. PLEASE NOTE: For any registrations received after Wednesday 5 March 2025 at 10am, we cannot guarantee your dietary requirements.

<h3>Meet our featured speakers</h3><h3>The Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, Minister for Corrections</h3>After moving to Australia from Laos with his parents and brothers when he was just six, Anoulack attended Robert Townson Primary and Robert Townson High School in Raby.Before entering Parliament, Anoulack worked as an economist for 13 years and served as a councillor and later as mayor on Campbelltown City Council.After his election as Member for Macquarie Fields in 2015, he served as Shadow Minister for Finance and Shadow Minister for Industry and Trade between 2021 and 2022.Following the election of the Minns Labor Government in March 2023, Anoulack was appointed Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building and Minister for Corrections.<h3>Paul Messenger, Founder &amp; CEO, Husk Farm Distillery</h3>Paul Messenger founded Australia's first and only Agricole rum distillery after a family holiday to the French Caribbean sparked his passion for the spirit. What began in a small farm shed on his family property has grown into a full-scale plantation distillery in the Northern NSW region.Working alongside his wife Mandy and their three daughters, Paul has pioneered farm-to-bottle agricole rum production in Australia, developing innovative methods for small-scale cultivation, harvesting, and crushing. While waiting for their first rum harvest to mature, the family created Ink Gin, which quickly gained popularity for its unique color-changing properties and Australian flavor profile.Despite facing a devastating flood in 2017 that submerged their farm and delayed construction, Paul successfully completed their new distillery in 2019, featuring a cellar door, café, and barrel house. He continues to oversee every aspect of the distilling process, creating experimental blends and innovative craft spirits with a distinct regional character.<h3>Jackie Barnes, International Sales Manager, Nutra Organics</h3>Jackie Barnes is a highly accomplished export manager with an impressive career spanning over 15 years. She possesses extensive expertise in international sales, logistics, export compliance management, and corporate account strategy. Her wealth of experience has been primarily honed within the context of prominent premium food SMEs operating in the Northern Rivers region.Jackie's proven ability to develop growth in several global markets is a testament to her strategic acumen and operational effectiveness. She has successfully spearheaded and implemented market entry strategies across diverse and challenging markets, including China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Her deep understanding of cultural nuances, regulatory landscapes, and consumer behaviors in these regions has been instrumental in her success.Currently, Jackie holds the position of Export Manager at Nutra Organics, where she is spearheading the company's expansion and growth into the Singaporean and New Zealand markets. Her leadership in this endeavor is underpinned by her comprehensive knowledge of export procedures, her ability to forge strong relationships with key stakeholders, and her unwavering commitment to delivering results. <h3>Paul O'Brien, CEO, AirPhysio</h3>Paul O’Brien is the CEO/Co-Founder/Managing Director of the AirPhysio and Better Breathing Devices brands, an Australian and multinational entity. He has served his country in the Royal Australian Navy for over 10 years and served in numerous active and war like conditions and has a passion to help others.He has been interviewed on Australian, US and International TV news for his international award-winning product and business which is designed to help people and communities both nationally and globally. The products which they manufacture in Australia is exported to over 100 countries globally and has helped over ½ million people to improve their quality of life, breathing and improve their health, wellbeing and sporting performance and fitness through improved lung hygiene and oxygen delivery to body.Through his service in the Royal Australian Navy, he has learnt many important skills and lessons in life to help him both personally and in his business, but also helped to pass on these skills to others within his business to help move the company through very rapid growth and expansion.<h3>Seana Brees, International Seed Trading and Molasses, Williams Group Australia</h3>Seana Brees has over 12 years of experience in exporting seed and forage products. Seana has been instrumental in facilitating the global distribution of Williams Seed's high-quality agricultural products originating from Australia and various other countries.Throughout her extensive career, Seana has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of international trade dynamics, market trends, and regulatory requirements. Her profound expertise in navigating the complexities of exporting ensures seamless transactions and optimal outcomes for our clients worldwide.Her current role encompasses all aspects of exporting goods, from sourcing the seed, making the sale, ensuring all export compliance is met and arranging shipment of the seed.<h3>Robert Law, General Manager NSW, and Director Advisory &amp; Insights, Asialink Business</h3>Robert is passionate about helping businesses unlock Asia growth opportunities and has extensive experience leading development of market entry strategies for key markets such as India, Japan and Indonesia. He has advised businesses in a range sectors, including consumer products, food and beverage, agribusiness, technology and education.His most recent experience prior to Asialink Business was as a strategy consultant at Monitor Deloitte where he led large project teams across a range of industries, with a focus on Go To Market strategy.He built his experience at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Office of National Intelligence (ONI). He spent four years living and working in Jakarta with DFAT, helping Australian companies navigate the Indonesian market. He held several roles at ONI, including reporting to the Director-General on sensitive and complex projects to promote Australia’s interests overseas. Later, he managed multiple teams of analysts focused on Asia.

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