NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy is a bold, forward-thinking plan launched by the NSW Government to drive economic growth and diversification over the next decade. Released on May 17, 2025, it sets clear targets to boost trade, attract investment, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities across New South Wales. This 10-year roadmap is designed to strengthen the state’s economy, align with global trends, and position NSW as a leader in international trade and innovation.

A comprehensive plan

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy is a comprehensive plan to grow NSW’s economy by focusing on key industries, international partnerships, and sustainable development. It aims to diversify trade markets, increase exports, and bring more foreign investment into the state. By aligning with the NSW State Migration Plan, the strategy also supports skilled migration to fill gaps in the workforce, ensuring businesses have the talent they need to thrive.

One exciting update in the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 is the inclusion of international education as an “additional focus sector.” This move recognizes the value of education as a major export industry, attracting students from around the world and boosting the economy. Other key sectors include technology, renewable energy, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing, all of which are set to drive growth and job creation.

Why does NSW Trade and Investment Strategy matter?

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy is crucial for building a stronger, more resilient economy. It helps NSW businesses compete on a global stage by opening new markets and fostering innovation. The strategy sets ambitious targets, such as increasing export values and attracting billions in foreign investment by 2035. This means more jobs, better infrastructure, and a higher standard of living for people in NSW.

Additionally, it focuses on sustainability. By investing in green technologies and renewable energy, NSW aims to lead the way in combating climate change while creating economic opportunities. This balance of growth and responsibility makes the strategy a game-changer for the state.

Strategic Targets by 2035

Under the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, the government has outlined bold goals:

Grow exports by $100 billion to reach $245 billion.
Attract $25 billion in investment, including $17.5 billion into key Industry Policy Missions.
Support 10,000 NSW businesses to expand into international markets.
Facilitate the creation of 30,000 direct full-time equivalent jobs.

There are three Industry Policy Sectors identified in the Strategy:

Housing
Net zero & energy transition
Local manufacturing

Housing: Building the Foundation for Economic Well-being

NSW residents must have access to safe, secure, affordable, well-designed, and sustainable housing. The Housing Mission, a core component of the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, focuses on increasing supply, addressing affordability, and improving liveability.

Targets:

Build 377,000 well-located homes by mid-2029.
Unlock 21,000 affordable and market homes by 2031.
Deliver 8,400 new public homes by 2031—prioritizing children and women fleeing domestic violence.

Through this mission, the strategy directly addresses workforce mobility, economic inclusion, and social cohesion while stimulating sectors like construction technology and sustainable materials.

Net Zero & Energy Transition: Driving a Low-Carbon Future

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy boldly positions NSW as a globally competitive clean energy, sustainable and low-carbon economy. This mission seeks to transform the energy landscape, reduce emissions, and harness renewable energy.

Targets:

Reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035, reaching net zero by 2050.
Deliver 12 GW of new renewable electricity and 2 GW/16 GWh of long-duration storage by 2030.
Provide rooftop solar and battery systems to 1 million households and small businesses by 2035.
Achieve net zero for Transport for NSW operations and fleet by 2035.

This mission ensures energy security, supports green job creation, and boosts NSW’s leadership in clean tech and climate innovation—all central pillars of the Strategy.

Local Manufacturing: Strengthening Economic Resilience

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy recognizes the importance of local production for economic sovereignty. The Local Manufacturing Mission promotes a dynamic, sustainable, and resilient economy powered by high-value production, advanced technologies, and robust supply chains.

Targets:

Ensure real growth in Gross Value Added (GVA) for Manufacturing by 2031.
Achieve manufacturing GVA growth equal to or greater than Gross State Product between 2031 and 2040.
Implement a 50% local content target for future rolling stock by 2035.

This mission leverages NSW’s natural resources, skilled workforce, and R&D capabilities to drive export competitiveness and reduce reliance on imports, reinforcing the objectives of the Strategy.

In addition to international education, the additional focus sectors are:

Agrifood investment and trade opportunities
Defence and aerospace investment and trade opportunities
Digital technologies investment and trade opportunities
Life sciences and healthcare trade and investment opportunities
Mining equipment, technology and services trade opportunities

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 is a visionary plan to drive economic growth, create jobs, and position NSW as a global leader. With clear targets, a focus on key sectors, and a commitment to sustainability, this strategy is set to transform the state’s future. Stay informed and get involved to make the most of this opportunity.

Amitava Deb

Amitava is a gold medallist from India’s premier technical institute, IIT Kharagpur.
He has worked with some of the world’s top companies such as Sony Australia Pty. Ltd., Siemens AG Germany, Clarity International Ltd., Reliance Communications and Optus Sydney.
Amitava is a Chartered Professional Engineer accredited by Engineers Australia. He is a full member of this esteemed association.
He is a member of the Australian Computer Society, Tele Management Forum and Worldwide Institute of Software Architects.
Amitava is a well-recognised name in the ICT Professional Community in Australia.