MT128

16 August 1995

CHAIR AND CENTRE FOR THE PRACTICE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

One of the major initiatives of the Government's 'Winning Markets' trade policy statement will take shape today when the Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan, presents the first of five $150,000 grants to the Melbourne Business School for the establishment of a Chair and Centre for the Practice of International Trade.

Senator McMullan said the initiative will contribute to the development of an export culture in Australia, which is an integral part of the trade policy framework to take Australia into the next century.

"A key goal of the Centre will be to make a positive contribution to the formulation of Australian trade policy," Senator McMullan said.

"The focus of the Centre's work will be on the practical business-related aspects of trade policy.

"By equipping business students with an understanding of international trade policies and rules, we are making a significant long-term contribution to fostering an export culture in Australia.

"The Centre will prepare people to operate effectively in the new global economy."

Senator McMullan said he is encouraged by business support for the Centre.

"The business community has shown it is right behind this concept by agreeing to match the Government's contributions of $150,000 a year for the next five years," Senator McMullan said.

"It shows the business community, like the Government, is looking beyond the short term challenges we face to secure Australia's place in the international trading environment.

"The Centre is the first of its kind in Australia.

"It is innovative, it is forward looking, and it is the product of cooperation between Government, business and academia," Senator McMullan said.

Further information: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420, 018 482 887