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AAP
AAP
Business
Tim Dornin

SA scraps plans for Paris trade office

Trade Minister Nick Champion is keen to promote South Australian products throughout Europe. (AAP)

South Australia has scrapped plans to establish a trade office in Paris.

The government will instead use its London office to establish and enhance the state's European footprint.

It says reversing the former government's decision to fund the extra trade presence in France will save $500,000 - the equivalent of hiring six nurses.

"Given the Liberal government never hired staff, signed leases or progressed with the opening of this office, the money allocated is better spent domestically," Trade Minister Nick Champion said.

"While Brexit may have changed the UK's status as a European nation, it didn't change its geographic location.

"We already have a fully established presence in Europe through our UK-based trade office."

Under the new arrangements, the London office will conduct all European operations, working across multiple regions like its counterparts across the globe in Dubai, Houston, New York and Singapore.

Agent-General David Ridgeway will be tasked with expanding South Australia's interests in Europe, including France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Scandinavia and the Baltic states.

The government said the AUKUS defence alliance and the UK Free Trade Agreement provided SA with unique opportunities to showcase its skills in energy, defence, space, biotech and food and wine with its traditional trading partners.

"South Australia has a great story to tell, with fantastic products and produce to export," Mr Champion said.

"As we rebound from the impact of the pandemic, we will be doing all we can to share that story with the world."

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