United States consul-general Sharon Hudson-Dean paid a visit to Bathurst this week to promote the strong business, educational and cultural ties between the US and Australia.
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Ms Hudson-Dean visited Charles Sturt University [CSU] to discuss future collaboration projects with the institution's executive, and also stopped by the Mars Petcare factory to gain an idea of the local manufacturing sector.
She said visits to regional centres provide invaluable opportunities to foster closer ties between the two countries.
"The US is Australia's biggest investment partner, and our consulate is continuously looking to seek out Australian companies wishing to expand business into the US and vice versa," Ms Hudson-Dean said.
"For example, the tertiary education sector is a key area of opportunity to bolster this relationship and once the COVID situation dies down, CSU is lined up to receive a Fulbright Scholar, which is our most prestigious academic scholarship program."
Ms Hudson-Dean oversees US diplomatic activities in NSW and Queensland and is passionate about expanding ties outside the capital cities.
"The capital cities are certainly key areas to foster relations and program, but in regional centres, the demographic is entirely different, which is why it's essential to gain a variety of perspectives," she said.
"It's the same in the US, you have to get out beyond the major cities to understand the true nature of the country."
Ms Hudson-Dean said the US and Australia share a complex business relationship providing rewarding results for both countries.
"Approximately 1100 US companies have a significant presence in Australia, and the American Chamber of Commerce has outlets in every major city," she said.
"The presence translates into jobs and strong ties, and we're continuously working to open new pathways across numerous sectors."
According to the US embassy website, around 170,000 US citizens live in NSW at any given time.