29 June 1995

'TEAM AUSTRALIA' WORKING TO WIN EXPORTS

The NT Expo in Darwin is a classic example of the 'Team Australia' approach to winning export markets, the Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan said today.

Senator McMullan said the Expo, to be held from 30 June-2 July, is an ideal forum for the Federal, Northern Territory and other state governments, and Australian exporters to work together to show existing and potential customers from South East Asia the best of Australia's products and services.

"'Team Australia' is a bold approach to get nine Australian governments working closely together to ensure that, through a team effort, we can lift our trade and investment performance and put Australia into the front rank of exporting economies by early next century," Senator McMullan said.

"And it's working.

"There is clearly a significantly improved, coordinated approach to export promotion by governments and industry through trade presentations at home and overseas with agreed national trade and investment priorities and cooperative promotional events.

"The Market Australia campaign in key Asian markets is another good example of this cooperation.

"This is not to say that there cannot still be healthy competition among States and Territories for markets - this can stimulate greater efficiency. But, underpinning it all now is the 'Team Australia mentality which acknowledges that the major competitors are those beyond Australia's shores."

Senator McMullan will join more than 700 international and 400 Australian business people, and four State and Territory trade ministers, at the NT Expo. The international business visitors - from Brunei, Indonesia (with 400 participants), Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, China, Macau and Hong Kong - will take part in the three day NT Expo trade fair.

A highlight of the NT Expo will be the Darwin Press Club's 'Look North' luncheon promotion which will feature presentations from Senator McMullan, Northern Territory Chief Minister, Shane Stone, South Australia's Industry Minister, John Olsen, Western Australia's Trade Minister, Hendy Cowan, and the ACT's Business Minister, Tony DeDomenico.

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