MT173

8 October 1995

Emerging exporters urged to take advantage of International Business Week

Australian firms serious about exploring overseas markets for their products and services should take advantage of activities held during International Business Week (IBW) - October 9-13, the Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan, said today.

Senator McMullan said the range of events scheduled around Australia during IBW will provide up-to-the-minute information and advice to potential exporters and companies already establishing their operations overseas.

"It is critical that Australian businesses looking to internationalise have access to advice and guidance from as many sources as possible," Senator McMullan said.

"During IBW, Federal and State government agencies, and chambers of commerce and industry across the country will be holding seminars, forums and workshops for Australian companies of all sizes and sectors.

"The events will cover opportunities in newer markets like Indonesia and Vietnam or traditional markets like Europe and the United Kingdom, with specific advice on innovative marketing techniques in Asia, and the range of financial support available to firms looking to export.

"IBW coordinators in each state have made a special effort to hold activities in regional centres to ensure that as many potential exporters as possible are reached.

"It is a unique opportunity for Australia's emerging export community.

"Rarely are so many experienced trade people - including many Austrade representatives from overseas - available to advise firms on what to do to win business in overseas markets."

IBW highlights include:

- presentation of the ACT Export Awards in Canberra;

- an Export Finance Open Day featuring representatives from the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, Austrade and the major trading banks (NSW);

- a seminar on practical business opportunities in Japan (SA);

- seminar highlighting opportunities for Australian business in the emerging trading zones of APEC and AFTA (WA);

- an Export Managers forum in Queensland;

- a forum on the achievements of women in export (Vic);

- and market development workshops in Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Senator McMullan said the enthusiasm of Austrade, State Governments and industry groups in putting together the IBW programs is proof that the Team Australia approach to winning export markets was taking hold and was getting results.

"It is critical that the resources of the Federal Government, State Governments and industry be directed in a constructive and cooperative way to give as many Australian firms as possible a foothold into overseas markets," Senator McMullan said.

Austrade IBW contacts for full details:

Paul Bridgeman (NSW): 02) 390 2037

Kevin Owens (Vic): (03) 9284 3290

Bob Shepard (SA): 08) 202 7800

Peter Flanagan (Qld) (07) 364 7768

Rod Morehouse (WA): 09) 261 7911

Shirley Dryden (ACT): (06) 201 7572

Alex Simmons (NT): 089) 81 9949

Trevor Wise (Tas): 002) 20 4714

Further information:

Senator McMullan's office: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420

Austrade: Nick Owens, (02) 390 2735